- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 441,057
- Reaction score
- 44
Drake London has become a staple of the Falcons offense over his three seasons in Atlanta. The young receiver has been the team's undisputed No. 1 option since being drafted eighth overall in 2022, and because London was a first-round pick, his contract includes a fifth-year option for the 2026 NFL season.
First-round picks are each subject to a fifth year of team control at a predetermined number. That deadline for this option is Thursday, May 1. Even though the front office has been non-committal, Atlanta will likely pick up London's fifth-year option.
"We'll keep those discussions private, but you know how we feel about Drake," stated Falcons GM Terry Fontenot. "Obviously, he's a good man off the field, but he blacks out when it's time to play and when it's time to compete, and he will do anything he can to rip your face off and win the game. That's who he is, and that's what we want."
It's not really a question of if they extend London, but rather, how much will his fifth year cost? The compensation for option candidates is broken up into four categories: basic, playing time, one pro bowl, and multiple pro bowls. The following was met for Drake London to be placed in the "playing time" group.
In accordance with that criteria basis, Drake London's 2026 cap hit is projected to be $16,817,000. In other words, it will simultaneously be the most expensive season yet for London and the cheapest we will see him be going forward.
On an average yearly basis, that is to be ranked 24th among current NFL wide receivers. An extension beyond his fifth year could see his yearly average be in the mid-$20 million range.
Tee Higgins, who is 26 years old, has a yearly average of $28,750,000 and has similar career averages to London. Nico Collins, who is also 26 years old and comparable to London, has a yearly average of $24,250,000.
Had Drake London of not met the playing time criteria, he would have only gotten $15,493,000. However, a Pro Bowl would have elevated his fifth year to $21,440,000, while multiple Pro Bowls would have bumped it up to $23,958,000.
If you want an elite receiver, you're going to have to fork over some cash at some point. Assuming the team picks it up, London's option will look like a bargain compared to what he makes on his next deal.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons WR Drake London: How much will fifth-year option cost?
Continue reading...
First-round picks are each subject to a fifth year of team control at a predetermined number. That deadline for this option is Thursday, May 1. Even though the front office has been non-committal, Atlanta will likely pick up London's fifth-year option.
"We'll keep those discussions private, but you know how we feel about Drake," stated Falcons GM Terry Fontenot. "Obviously, he's a good man off the field, but he blacks out when it's time to play and when it's time to compete, and he will do anything he can to rip your face off and win the game. That's who he is, and that's what we want."
It's not really a question of if they extend London, but rather, how much will his fifth year cost? The compensation for option candidates is broken up into four categories: basic, playing time, one pro bowl, and multiple pro bowls. The following was met for Drake London to be placed in the "playing time" group.
Drake London's fifth-year option cost: $16.8 million
In accordance with that criteria basis, Drake London's 2026 cap hit is projected to be $16,817,000. In other words, it will simultaneously be the most expensive season yet for London and the cheapest we will see him be going forward.
On an average yearly basis, that is to be ranked 24th among current NFL wide receivers. An extension beyond his fifth year could see his yearly average be in the mid-$20 million range.
Tee Higgins, who is 26 years old, has a yearly average of $28,750,000 and has similar career averages to London. Nico Collins, who is also 26 years old and comparable to London, has a yearly average of $24,250,000.
Had Drake London of not met the playing time criteria, he would have only gotten $15,493,000. However, a Pro Bowl would have elevated his fifth year to $21,440,000, while multiple Pro Bowls would have bumped it up to $23,958,000.
If you want an elite receiver, you're going to have to fork over some cash at some point. Assuming the team picks it up, London's option will look like a bargain compared to what he makes on his next deal.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons WR Drake London: How much will fifth-year option cost?
Continue reading...
