The Atlanta Falcons are expected to retain standout tight end Kyle Pitts by placing the franchise tag on him, ensuring he remains with the team for at least the 2026 season. League insiders report the move is designed to buy time as both sides work toward a multi-year extension.
The tag is expected to be worth more than $15 million on a fully guaranteed one-year deal, with NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reporting: “The #Falcons are planning to franchise tag standout TE Kyle Pitts, sources say, keeping their playmaker in the fold on a 1-year, fully guaranteed deal worth more than $15M. The hope is to work out a long-term deal rather than the tag. The two sides have until July to do it.”
Also reported from CBS’ Johnathan Jones: “The Falcons are franchise tagging TE Kyle Pitts, sources tell @NFLonCBS. With a weak free agent market and draft class at the TE position — and with Atlanta being down a premium draft pick this year — it will be interesting to see if teams show interest in trading for Pitts.”
If Pitts plays under the tag, he would earn roughly $16 million next season — a figure determined by averaging the top five salaries at the tight end position. The Falcons and Pitts have until July 15 to finalize a long-term deal. Failing that, he would suit up on the one-year tender. Teams must designate franchise-tagged players by early March, ahead of free agency.
Pitts burst onto the scene in 2021 with 1,026 receiving yards, becoming the first rookie tight end to top 1,000 yards since Mike Ditka in 1961 and earning a Pro Bowl nod. However, injuries — including an MCL tear in 2022 — and constant changes under center slowed his momentum. Over five seasons, six quarterbacks have thrown him passes, from Matt Ryan to Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr..
The former No. 4 overall pick is coming off one of the strongest seasons of his career. At 25, Pitts recorded 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, finishing second among NFL tight ends in yardage behind Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals. His standout performance came in a prime-time win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he hauled in 11 of 12 targets for 166 yards and three scores — a career-best showing.
In 78 career games, Pitts has totaled 284 catches for 3,579 yards and 15 touchdowns. He played last season on the $10.9 million fifth-year option of his rookie contract and has earned nearly $44 million to date.
Atlanta, which holds the No. 48 pick in the upcoming draft and sits mid-pack in available cap space, could theoretically explore a tag-and-trade scenario if presented with a compelling offer. For now, though, the organization appears focused on keeping Pitts in its plans — especially under new leadership that values the tight end role in its offensive system.
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