Drake London has become a staple of the Falcons offense in three seasons in Atlanta. The young receiver has been the team’s undisputed first choice since the overall pick in 2022, and since London is a first-round draft pick, his contract includes the fifth year of the 2026 NFL season.
First-round draft picks were subject to fifth-grade team control with predetermined numbers. The deadline for this option is Thursday, May 1st. Although the front desk is not in contact, Atlanta may choose London's fifth year option.
"We're going to keep these discussions private, but you know how we feel about Drake," said Falcons GM Terry Fontenot. "Obviously, he's a good guy, but when he paints it black at game time and game time, he'll do everything he can tore off your face and win the game. That's who he is, and that's what we want."
It's not a question of whether they're expanding London, but how much does it cost for his fifth year? The compensation for option candidates is divided into four categories: basic, playing time, one pro bowl and multiple pro bowls. Drake London, London encountered the following.
These players will be eligible for a fifth-grade base salary, which will be from average scores over the past five seasons to seasons 3-20, but only if their steal counts in the first three seasons meet one of the following three criteria
Drake London's 2026 blocking percentage is expected to be $16,817,000 under the standard. In other words, for London, it will be the most expensive season yet and we will see him moving forward.
On average, it will rank 24th among the current wide receivers in the NFL. An extension beyond his fifth year could bring his average average to the mid-term of $20 million.
Tee Higgins, 26, has an average annual average of $28,750,000 per year, similar to the London average of careers. Nico Collins is also 26 years old, comparable to London, with an average annual average of $24,250,000.
If Drake London doesn't meet the game time criteria, he will only receive $15,493,000. But one Pro Bowl will raise his fifth year to $21,440,000, while multiple Pro Bowls will drop it to $23,958,000.
If you want an elite receiver, you have to branch out some cash at some point. Assuming the team picked this up, London's choice looks like a bargain compared to what he did in his next deal.