Sports

Falcons Recap: Roddy White talks QB battle, Drake London's new deal

Nairavoice · Jun 10, 2026 · 4 min read

The Atlanta Falcons are taking things one day at a time under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, but most fans don’t have that kind of patience. Everyone has their eyes on the quarterback competition between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.

While Atlanta’s quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt said the competition hasn’t started yet due to Penix’s injury, former Falcons wide receiver Roddy White is leaning toward one QB over the other after the few few weeks of OTAs.

In today’s Falcons recap, we examine White’s comments, Xavier Watts is named a breakout candidate and Bijan Robinson is listed as a dark-horse MVP candidate.

Falcons legend Roddy White joined 680 “The Fan” in Atlanta to discuss a variety of topics, including the team’s QB competition. When asked which quarterback he prefers, White said he was on Team Penix.

“I just think Michael Penix is super talented,” White answered. “I mean, when I go out to practice and I watch him throw the ball, he can make every throw around the field. I think, you know, with Kevin [Stefanski] coming in, the windows and the pictures are going to be much more open.”

Roddy White says Drake London continues to produce at a high level and believes it’s now Michael Penix Jr.’s time to take the next step in his development and become the leader of the Falcons offense 🔥 #DirtyBirds

“It’s so important that Michael Penix takes the next step and… pic.twitter.com/fTNW9EzihN

— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) June 9, 2026

Aside from praising Penix, White gave Drake London’s four-year, $141 million extension his stamp of approval. The Falcons legend said he was happy for London and that the 24-year-old is well-deserving of his new contract.

“He’s done a lot in his small amount of time that he’s been there. In the four years, he’s done really well. His numbers look really good. As long as he don’t get hurt, he produces a lot. You know what I’m saying? He makes a lot of big plays for us and he’s our most consistent guy out there. I just like the energy and the attitude that he brings to the game. He mixes it up in the run game. He goes out there, he executes on third-and-short and stuff like that.”

NFL.com’s Dan Parr listed Robinson among his nine dark-horse MVP candidates entering the 2026 season, citing touchdown vulture Tyler Allgeier’s departure as one of the reasons.

“It would take historic production and a surprisingly successful season for the Falcons to make Robinson a leading MVP contender, but I can see the path for him if I squint,” wrote Parr. “Robinson was a first-team All-Pro after leading the league in scrimmage yards last season (2,298), but his team wasn’t very good (8-9) and he didn’t even lead Atlanta in rushing touchdowns. That title went to backup Tyler Allgeier, who departed in free agency, so perhaps there will be more goal-line opportunities for Robinson in the first year of the Kevin Stefanski era.”

According to Zachary Pereles at CBS Sports, Falcons safety Xavier Watts is the Falcons’ top breakout candidate for the 2026 NFL season. While it will be hard to top his five-interception rookie season, Pereles loves Watts’ upside.

“The Falcons have an underwhelming quarterback competition between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa on their hands, and there’s a chance the awesome trio of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts is held back again by their surroundings,” wrote Pereles. “But on the defensive side of things, Watts is one of a few intriguing young talents… finishing fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.”

London is feeling good after signing his monster contract extension, which includes $100 million in guaranteed money. The former USC standout posted a video message to the fans after signing his new deal.

“Hey, Dirty Birds, at the facility – just signed the contract,” said London. “Excited and ecstatic to be here for another four years, and blessed to be in the A. Love y’all, man. Appreciate every single one of y’all.”

Watch London’s message below, as shared by the Falcons’ social media team.