The Atlanta Falcons signed star wide receiver Drake London to a four-year, $141 million extension, with $100 million guaranteed. This move signals a major commitment to their future.

The extension makes London one of the highest-paid receivers in NFL history. His average annual salary of $35 million ranks third among NFL wide receivers and is the highest annual value ever given by the Falcons.​

London arrived in Atlanta as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of USC. Since joining the NFL, he has been a key weapon for the Falcons’ passing attack—regardless of whether the quarterback was Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. or possibly Tua Tagovailoa this year. Through four seasons, London has recorded 309 receptions, 3,961 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns despite playing with multiple quarterbacks and offensive systems.

London’s breakout campaign came in 2024, when he had nine touchdowns and more than 1,200 yards. He’s a major mismatch for defenders in the red zone. New head coach Kevin Stefanski—a two-time Coach of the Year award winner—could use him even more effectively in 2026. Stefanski struggled last season with the Cleveland Browns, as the team cycled through quarterbacks Joe Flacco, Dylan Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

The Falcons have several young, talented players—Bijan Robinson out of Texas andKyle Pitts, who has been with the team since 2021. Atlanta is committed to keeping its core playmakers together. If they can produce, the Falcons could compete in the NFC South.

Former play-caller Zach Robinson is now in Tampa Bay as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, adding a new wrinkle to the division rivalry.

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has lofty goals for 2024 despite a turbulent rookie season. The eighth overall pick in the 2023 Draft is expected to take on a more expanded role under new head coach Raheem Morris.

“I want 2,000 yards rushing,” Robinson told Sports Illustrated. “I know those are big expectations, what we can do as an offense, with all the weapons, our O-line, with Zac being at the helm, it can be something special. I think it’s going to be one of those special seasons that Atlanta’s been waiting for us and all of us as players have been waiting for. So, let’s get it.”

After Robinson was drafted, becoming the first running back to go in the first 10 picks since Saquon Barkley in 2018, many expected the University of Texas product to make an immediate impact. While Robinson did show flashes of talent throughout the season, he also received erratic playing time under former head coach Arthur Smith.

The relationship between Robinson and Smith was reportedly tense, as the head coach preferred to keep Robinson in a timeshare with Tyler Allgeier. The star rookie only rushed for 100 yards in two games and didn’t score his first rushing touchdown until Week 8. He did play a considerable role in the team’s meager passing game, however, and earned 1,463 total yards from scrimmage.

“Yeah, I had 1,400 yards, but for me, I have such high expectations, that’s not a great season,” Robinson said before the Super Bowl. “From the expectations people have from me, I could see them looking at that season like, ‘That may be great somewhere else but that shouldn’t be the standard for me.'”

With Smith out as head coach and the Falcons’ offense expected to improve, Robinson’s stock should rise as the team builds around him. Atlanta is reportedly in the market for a new quarterback to replace Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinecke. Morris, the new head coach, also pointed out Robinson and wide receiver Drake London as strong assets earlier this month, implying that the offense could run through the pair going forward.

Drake London, one of the best wide receivers in college football this year has decided to forgo his senior season at the University of Southern California and declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. He made the announcement on Twitter Thursday morning.

“It’s been a true blessing to compete as a Trojan over the past three seasons,” London wrote. “You welcomed me with open arms and I will forever be grateful for the love you’ve shown me. I will never forget our time together and all the people I’ve forged lifelong bonds with. To my coaches and teammates, thank you for pushing me each and every day. I would not be in the position I am today without you all. I cannot wait to get started on the next chapter in my life. I’m extremely excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. I will forever be a Trojan and cannot wait to represent the best brotherhood in the NFL. Fight On!”

London leaves USC after putting up 2,000 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over three seasons. In 2021, he totaled 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns before sitting out the last half of the season with a broken ankle suffered in a Halloween game against Arizona.

One of the things that makes London special is his ball-handling skills. He arrived at USC as a two-sport athlete, playing both football and basketball. He only decided to focus completely on football a year ago. London’s skill set has drawn comparison to Tampa Bay’s star wideout, Mike Evans, who also has a basketball connection.

“He’s a giant with incredible ball skills,” said Graham Harrell, USC’s offensive coordinator. “There’s not many of them out there, and he’s one of them.”

Projections have him as the draft’s second-best receiver with the possibility of going as high as the fourth overall pick.