Falcons paid Drake London, Bijan Robinson up next?

The Falcons made Drake London the third highest-paid receiver in the game yesterday, signing him to a four-year, $141 million extension that could be worth up to $150 million with incentives.

It’s a massive deal that has raised some questions about whether London deserves to be among the highest-paid players at his position — but that’s not how NFL contracts work. When it’s your turn and you’re one of the best, you reset the market or come close to it. By the time London is in year two or three of this deal, he’ll likely fall somewhere in the 15-25 range among the highest-paid receivers in the league.

Simply put, good teams don’t let elite players with London’s DNA walk out the door. He’s one of the most talented pass catchers in the game, does the dirty work in the run game without complaint, and is a primary leader in the Falcons locker room.

“Drake is one of the more competitive people I have ever been around,” veteran left tackle Jake Matthews said, via Josh Kendall of The Athletic. “He hates to lose, hates to let his teammates down. He’s just a stud. He’s going to be the last one to take credit, too, which I have always admired about him. One of my favorite teammates to be around.”

Even with a new regime in place, Drake London was always going to get paid by the Falcons. Up next is Bijan Robinson, as hinted by NFL insider Ian Rapoport.