Atlanta Falcons lock in Drake London following standout career year
The Falcons are still buzzing from their successful NFL Draft, and they're not resting on their laurels. With key players like Drake London on board, it's crucial to ensure these talents stick around for the long haul. As per Adam Schefter, the Falcons have indeed made the moves necessary to lock down London.
Schefter announced on X, formerly Twitter, that the team has exercised London's fifth-year option on his contract. The Falcons selected the wide receiver with the No. 8 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and since then, he's been the team's most consistent receiver.
Last season, London shined, finishing fourth in receiving yards, ninth in receptions, and ninth in touchdowns. He surpassed the 1,000-yard and 100-reception milestones for the first time in his career. Exercising London's option was a no-brainer, and now the focus shifts to negotiating a long-term deal with the receiver. He's a crucial component of the Falcons' offensive strategy and showed chemistry with Michael Penix Jr. in the last three games of last season.
But the Falcons aren't stopping with London. If they can maintain and build on the chemistry between London and Penix, good things could be on the horizon for the team. The offense boasts a young, explosive core, with Penix, London, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Tyler Allgeier. When Penix took over at the end of last season, they showed signs of potential, and fans are hopeful they can build on that this season.
The defense also has promising pieces, thanks to the Falcons' first-round draft picks. They selected Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., two pass rushers with a knack for getting to the quarterback, and Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr., who will bolster the secondary. Although the team had a midseason slump that cost them control of the division and required Kirk Cousins to be benched, they're optimistic that the upcoming season will see a return to form.
Penix will be the starting quarterback, and the team will be counting on him to continue his growth from last year. With a young, talented roster and a promising new QB, the Falcons are building a core that could propel them back into playoff contention.
- The Falcons, buoyed by their successful NFL Draft, are making moves to secure their key players, such as Drake London, ensuring their talents remain for an extended period.
- Adam Schefter, on X (formerly Twitter), reported that the Falcons have exercised London's fifth-year option on his contract.
- Drafted with the No. 8 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, London has been the Falcons' most consistent receiver.
- Last season, London finished fourth in receiving yards, ninth in receptions, and ninth in touchdowns, surpassing the 1,000-yard and 100-reception milestones for the first time in his career.
- Exercising London's option was crucial, and now the focus is on negotiating a long-term deal with the receiver, who is a vital part of the Falcons' offensive strategy.
- NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes that the Falcons, with their young, explosive core including London, Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Tyler Allgeier, are building a team that could be contenders in the playoffs.
