Drake London extension proves Jets were proactive in signing Garrett Wilson

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London cashed in on Tuesday, signing a four-year, $141 million contract with the franchise that drafted him eighth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. The deal includes $100 million guaranteed and makes London the third-highest-paid wideout in the league.

London, in the same draft class as New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, broke the bank. He didn't reach the highs of say Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Ja'Marr Chase, but he's certainly knocking on the door.

However, the key takeaway here for Jets fans should be just how good a deal they have with their own star wide receiver. New York has Wilson under contract until 2030, paying him $32.5 million a year.

It just goes to show how wise a move it was for general manager Darren Mougey to get Wilson under contract as soon as possible last summer, and it may have saved the team a couple of extra million per year.

Drake London contract makes Garrett Wilson's deal look like a steal

Both London and Wilson have been in comparable situations since they came into the league in 2022. Not only have they both dealt with questionable quarterback play, but their stats are nearly identical.

Through four seasons, Wilson has played in 58 games, catching 315 passes for 3,644 and hauling in 18 touchdowns.

London, meanwhile, has played in 62 games, recording 309 receptions for 3,961 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Is that difference in statistical output worth the roughly $5 million per year the Falcons are paying London more than Wilson? Probably not.

It's just another feather in the cap of Mougey. Had the Falcons just paid their star wide receiver a year early rather than a year late, they would have been able to get a better deal.

The Jets' general manager has shown that he's willing to extend the Jets' key contributors. Last summer, it was Sauce Gardner and Wilson; this offseason, it was Breece Hall.

It's a nice change of pace from the last few GMs in New York, who seemed like they were always hesitant to retain talent. Hopefully, it continues throughout his tenure.

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