Atlanta Falcons Franchise Tag Star Tight End Kyle Pitts, Dashing 49ers' Hopes

The $16.3 million deal takes the Pro Bowl tight end off the free agent market, leaving San Francisco to explore other options.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:10am by

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in the colors of the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers, representing the complex dynamics surrounding the franchise tag on star tight end Kyle Pitts.The franchise tag on Kyle Pitts leaves the 49ers searching for tight end solutions as they aim to fill the void left by George Kittle's injury.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers' plans to potentially acquire star tight end Kyle Pitts have been dashed, as the Atlanta Falcons have placed the franchise tag on the 24-year-old. Pitts, who is coming off a breakout season with 88 catches for 928 yards and 5 touchdowns, would have been an ideal replacement for the injured George Kittle. However, the Falcons' decision to lock down Pitts with a one-year, $16.3 million contract means he will remain in Atlanta, at least for now.

Why it matters

The 49ers were eyeing Pitts as a potential solution to address their tight end needs during Kittle's injury absence. Pitts' versatility and production would have made him a valuable addition to the 49ers' offense. With Pitts now off the market, the 49ers will have to explore other options to bolster their tight end position and maintain their competitiveness in the NFC West.

The details

Pitts, the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, had a breakout season in 2025, catching 88 passes for 928 yards and 5 touchdowns. His impressive performance caught the attention of many teams, including the 49ers, who were looking to add a top-tier tight end to their roster. However, the Falcons' decision to franchise tag Pitts means he will remain in Atlanta for at least one more season, unless the two sides fail to agree on a long-term deal by July 15, 2026, which could potentially open the door for a trade.

  • On February 23, 2026, the Atlanta Falcons placed the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts.
  • Pitts has until July 15, 2026, to negotiate a long-term contract with the Falcons, or he will play the 2026 season on the franchise tag.

The players

Kyle Pitts

A 24-year-old tight end for the Atlanta Falcons, Pitts is coming off a breakout season in 2025 with 88 catches, 928 yards, and 5 touchdowns. He was selected 4th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

George Kittle

The star tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must do everything we can to keep our young stars in Atlanta. Kyle Pitts is a cornerstone of our offense, and we're thrilled to have him under contract for at least one more year.”

— Arthur Blank, Owner, Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

If the Falcons and Pitts fail to agree on a long-term deal by July 15, 2026, Pitts could potentially be traded, which may open the door for the 49ers to revisit their interest in acquiring him. However, the 49ers would likely have to give up significant draft capital and salary cap space to land Pitts, making it a long shot for them to pursue him.

The takeaway

The 49ers' hopes of adding a top-tier tight end to their roster during George Kittle's injury absence have been dashed, as the Atlanta Falcons have franchise tagged Kyle Pitts. This move highlights the challenges the 49ers face in addressing their tight end needs and the importance of depth at that position in the modern NFL.