ATLANTA — The Falcons have agreed to a four-year, $141 million contract extension with Drake London, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid wide receivers.
Spotrac.com reported the financial details of London’s deal, which has not been disclosed by the Falcons. According to the website, London’s average salary through 2030 will be $35.25 million per season, making him third among the league’s receivers behind Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals ($42.25 million) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seahawks ($42.15 million).
London’s deal includes $100 million guaranteed and could be worth $150 million with incentives. He will earn close to $16.8 million in 2026 on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract.
The extension provides the winner of the competition between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa to be Atlanta’s starting quarterback moving forward with the assurance that London will be available as a long-term, go-to target.
Tagovailoa, the former Miami Dolphins starter who signed a one-year deal with Atlanta, has the early edge in the organized team activities while Penix continues his recovery from surgery on his left knee. Penix, however, has impressed first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski with his progress, providing hope he could be ready for the start of the season.
NFL Network and ESPN first reported the contract extension Tuesday.
London, Atlanta’s first-round draft pick in 2022, has 309 receptions for 3,961 yards and 22 touchdowns through four seasons. He set career highs with 100 receptions for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024 and had 68 for 919 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games last season as he missed time due to injury.
The Falcons signed wide receiver Jahan Dotson to a two-year deal in the offseason, while tight end Kyle Pitts is another important piece of the passing game.
Atlanta’s offense has in recent seasons leaned heavily on running back Bijan Robinson, who also contributes as a capable aerial target, but the Falcons could look for more passing punch under Stefanski as they seek their first winning season since 2017.
Rookie’s charges dropped
ATHENS, Ga. — Prosecutors have dropped two misdemeanor charges against receiver Zachariah Branch, who was selected by the Falcons in the third round of this year’s draft.
The former University of Georgia player was arrested in Athens the weekend before the draft in April and was charged with obstructing public sidewalks/streets and the obstruction of a law enforcement officer. He was released on a combined $39 bail.
At the time, Athens-Clarke County Police said they were summoned to an early morning incident in which a large crowd had gathered outside a bar and was blocking the entrance to the building. Some people, a statement from the police said, were attempting to enter the bar that was closed.
Branch’s attorney, Kim Stephens, issued a statement Wednesday confirming the charges had been dropped.
“After reviewing all evidence, including videos, and discussing the case with us, the State agreed to dismiss all charges against Mr. Branch yesterday. Zachariah cooperated fully with law enforcement and did not commit a crime on the night of his arrest, and never should have been arrested. We are glad this matter is over and that Mr. Branch’s excellent reputation and good name have been restored.”
Branch and his brother Zion, a safety, both transferred to Georgia from the University of Southern California last year. Zachariah led the Bulldogs with 81 catches, 811 yards and six touchdown receptions last season as they won the Southeastern Conference championship on their way to the College Football Playoff.