One of the players is Drake London, a wide receiver selected in the first round by the Falcons in 2022. He caught 100 passes for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, which is an exceptionally great season. London can undoubtedly play.
So the next question is whether the Falcons will pick up his fifth-year option (apart from the possibility of an outright extension or new contract).
Fontenot is noncommittal.
Cem Yolbulan of ATL All Day is perplexed by the Falcons GM’s decision not to simply commit to the fifth-year option or provide him a second contract as soon as one can be negotiated.
“Even though he was non-committal about the decision, Fontenot was very complimentary of London,” Yolbulan said. “The former first-round choice just finished his career season with 100 catches, 1271 yards, and nine touchdowns, establishing himself as a leader on the field. Fontenot emphasized what distinguishes the 23-year-old and how he fits within the club.
“While this is encouraging for London’s future in Atlanta, the Falcons’ GM’s lack of explicit commitment is perplexing.
“Atlanta has until May 1 to exercise London’s fifth year option. The organization has the option of exercising this and working on a long-term agreement next offseason, or it can get the contract extension done right away.
“The salaries for great pass-catchers are skyrocketing, and the more the Falcons wait, the more costly London’s next deal will be.
“London’s fifth-year option is worth $17 million in the 2026 season. If he makes the Pro Bowl, that figure will rise to $23 million. By signing the former USC standout to an agreement a year early, the Falcons could not only get a discount, but also avoid a potential showdown next offseason.
“Whether the sides can reach an agreement soon will be one of the more important storylines left in the Falcons offseason.”
It’ll be interesting to see how Atlanta handles the London problem. Perhaps they don’t have time to discuss extending one of their own stars because they’re dealing with issues about a staff member’s kid prank calling a high-profile NFL draft pick.
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