The Atlanta Falcons have built a strong young core, and for several key players, it’s nearly time for their second contract. One major name approaching the end of his rookie deal is Kyle Pitts, and there’s growing speculation that his time in Atlanta could be winding down. However, Drake London is a different story — he seems poised to secure a major payday sooner rather than later.
London, a former first-round pick out of USC, has shown consistent growth each season with the Falcons. As Terry McLaurin enters contract negotiations with the Commanders, some analysts are urging Atlanta to act quickly on London’s extension before the market drives his price up.
“The Falcons would be smart to sign Drake London to an extension before Terry McLaurin gets his deal done,” BroTalk of The Reporting Eligible Podcast posted.
London has been one of the Falcons’ biggest draft successes in recent years, and the team clearly sees him as a long-term piece. Assistant GM Kyle Smith recently praised London’s complete skill set and value to the offense.
“Well, I think it’s more about Drake, and it’s always, as we’ve talked about since that day, his versatility,” said Smith. “Obviously, there are different types of sizes and skill sets and all those things. But with Drake, he can be such a focal point in terms of inserting in run game, slot receiver, out wide, play above the rim, all those different things that need his competitive nature.”
Over the weekend, GM Terry Fontenot spoke about the process behind potentially extending London and emphasized the importance of timing and market analysis.
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“There are times that as you study the market, there are times going early to the market can be beneficial when you’re looking at it, but then there’s also times, if you look historically, that it’s OK to wait to the appropriate time,” Fontenot said. “So, we weigh those factors. We’re constantly studying contracts that come in and studying the market and what we expect and trying to anticipate things.”
It’s a risky strategy. If the Falcons wait too long, they could find themselves in a difficult position trying to match or exceed rising market prices. London has consistently proven himself as arguably the top wide receiver from his draft class. And while the front office appears to be playing the long game, it seems inevitable that when the time is right, a deal will get done.
