Atlanta is finally establishing some roots. After a wild season in which they traded quarterbacks like pancakes. And threw their weight behind Michael Penix Jr, Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. No. 8 overall in 2024. Just weeks after handing Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million deal. Late in the season, that move sent Cousins to the bench. Shocking the NFL and fracturing the quarterback room. But now, Raheem Morris has taken charge, and his first significant move as head coach is to lock down one of the game’s top young receivers rather than a quarterback. Despite Kirk Cousins’ uncertain future in Atlanta, one of his best weapons recently received a five-star vote of confidence.

Raheem Morris and the Falcons are sending a loud-and-clear message: Drake London isn’t going anywhere. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, wide receiver Drake London’s fifth-year option has been exercised: “No surprise, but the Falcons exercised the fifth-year option on WR Drake London’s contract, per source.” That gives Atlanta’s offence a cornerstone, even if their quarterback room is in upheaval, and locks London in through the 2026 season.

London, who was selected eighth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, has had a season that dispelled all doubts. He racked up 1,271 receiving yards on 100 catches from 158 targets, hauling in a career-high nine touchdowns. Throughout the 2024 season, he was remarkably consistent, but his most spectacular performance came in Week 18, when he dominated the Panthers for 187 yards and two touchdowns in a thrilling overtime game—his first-ever multi-touchdown performance.

London is the strategic and emotional centre of the offence, according to head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Especially now that Penix Jr. is starting his second season. WR’s leadership, reliability (only one missed game in three seasons), and sky-high ceiling made the decision to pick up the option a no-brainer. “Drake is a dog,” exclaimed Zac Robinson. “Hyper competitive… he will do anything he can to rip your face off and win the game.”

“He blacks out when it’s time to play and when it’s time to compete,” GM Terry Fontenot said during the NFL Draft. “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.” And that’s the irony, despite Cousins’ possible departure, his best player recently received an extension from Atlanta. With Drake London, the Falcons are just getting started, but they may be done with Cousins.

Steelers circle Kirk Cousins as Rodgers stalls and Falcons open the door

Cousins’ time in Atlanta seems to be coming to an end. After he lost his starter position to Michael Penix Jr. in the middle of 2024. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that Cousins is heavily involved in a multi-team trade that is reportedly in the works involving the Steelers, Vikings, and Browns.

Pittsburgh is starting to look like the most likely destination for Cousins. Provided he acts quickly, while Aaron Rodgers continues to consider his options. Citing his awkward encounter with Penix Jr., Russini stated, “It’s believed that Cousins would be against any trade that involves sending him to a situation involving a young QB.” But the QB situation in Atlanta seems shaky. As Pittsburgh might be next on Kirk Cousins’ map after Dianna Russini reported a potential Cousins-to-Steelers trade.

And, the door is wide open with Russell Wilson’s exit. Rudolph Mason? Skylar Thompson? Will Howard, a rookie? None are blocking Cousins from QB1. But the problem is that even after weeks of flirting with the Steelers, insiders think Mike Tomlin is still giving Rodgers the upper hand. However, time is running out, and Atlanta is open to trading Cousins. If Rodgers stalls, Cousins could swoop in and snatch the last open throne.

And, Cousins may suddenly go from being benched in Atlanta to starting in Pittsburgh. As the Falcons fully enter the Penix-London era. But Atlanta is making it clear: Cousins can leave. London stays.