The Atlanta Falcons plan to secure tight end Kyle Pitts for the 2026 season by applying the franchise tag, locking him into a fully guaranteed one-year contract worth over $15 million. This move allows the Falcons time to negotiate a longer-term agreement with the former Florida standout while ensuring he remains a key part of their offense next year.
Pitts’ Impressive 2025 Season Highlights His Value
Kyle Pitts delivered a career-best campaign in 2025, catching 88 passes for 928 yards and five touchdowns, earning him second-team All-Pro honors. His receptions and touchdown totals reached new highs in his five-year NFL career, with his yardage total marking his best output since his rookie year, when he posted 1,026 yards.
Through five seasons, Pitts has appeared in 78 games, starting 72, and has accumulated 284 receptions for 3,579 yards and 15 touchdowns. His consistent production underlines why the Falcons are eager to keep him beyond this coming season.
Team Outlook and Future Prospects Under New Leadership
After finishing third in the NFC South with an 8-9 record in 2025, the Falcons are looking to improve under first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski. While the team’s division standing was below expectations, the Falcons hope to build on individual successes like Pitts’ to strengthen their chances moving forward. Fans and analysts are watching closely, with platforms like Kalshi enabling predictions on which team will ultimately win the NFC South title.
Kyle Pitts’ Career Background and Significance
The 25-year-old tight end is entering his sixth NFL season after an outstanding collegiate career at Florida, where he earned the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end, was a unanimous All-American, and was twice named first-team All-SEC. His continued development makes him a critical asset for the Falcons’ offense and a player around whom the franchise hopes to build.
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.— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider
By using the franchise tag, the Falcons retain control over Pitts for the immediate future while preserving flexibility to negotiate a more permanent agreement. This strategy highlights the team’s recognition of Pitts’ talent and potential impact. With negotiations expected by July, the coming months will be key in determining whether Pitts will remain a cornerstone of Atlanta’s offense for several years to come.
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. pic.twitter.com/dwtlUbKxz7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 23, 2026
