Drake London is now the NFL's third-highest-paid receiver: 4 years, $141 million from Atlanta
The Falcons' new front office made its first big move, locking up London through 2030 at $35.25 million a year. Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts are next.
Atlanta signed Drake London to a four-year, $141 million extension with $100 million guaranteed, per his agent. At $35.25 million per year, London becomes the third-highest-paid receiver in the NFL, and the deal is the first major move by the Falcons' new front office under GM Ian Cunningham and team president Matt Ryan.
What are the terms?
Four years, $141 million, with $100 million guaranteed and an average of $35.25 million per year. The deal runs through 2030 and can reach $150 million with incentives. That $35.25 million AAV slots London third among NFL receivers, behind only Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($42.15 million) and Ja'Marr Chase ($40.25 million). For a 24-year-old entering his fifth season, it's a bet on the player Atlanta drafted eighth overall in 2022 becoming a long-term cornerstone.
Did the production justify it?
Yes, even through quarterback turbulence. London caught 100 passes for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024 despite stretches of subpar quarterback play, then put up 68 catches for 919 yards and seven scores in just 12 games in 2025 while managing an injury. Across his first four seasons he has 309 receptions for 3,961 yards and 22 touchdowns. The 2025 per-game rate, extrapolated over a full season, is squarely WR1 production.
What does it mean for Michael Penix Jr.?
Cost certainty around his top target. Penix enters a pivotal year with his WR1 locked in through 2030, which removes one major variable from Atlanta's offensive planning. A young quarterback with a true No. 1 receiver under long-term contract is exactly the kind of stability the Falcons' rebuild was missing. The pairing now has a multi-year runway to develop together.
Who's next on the bill?
Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts. With London handled, the new front office turns to extensions for its star running back and its athletic tight end, both of whom are central to the offense. The London deal sets the template: Cunningham and Ryan are committing to the young core rather than tearing it down. The challenge ahead is fitting three premium skill-position contracts under one cap.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Falcons, Drake London reach 4-year, $141M extension
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