Falcons Weigh Trading Franchise-Tagged TE Kyle Pitts

Atlanta lacks draft capital, but Pitts' breakout season makes him a valuable trade asset.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons have franchise-tagged star tight end Kyle Pitts, but reports suggest they may be open to trading him to acquire more draft picks. The Falcons only have five picks in the upcoming draft, and the team is facing uncertainty around another player, James Pearce Jr., who is dealing with domestic violence charges that could lead to a suspension or release. At 25 years old, Pitts is coming off a breakout season where he finished second among tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, making him a prime trade target for teams around the league.

Why it matters

Pitts is one of the league's most talented young tight ends, so a potential trade would be a major move that could reshape the Falcons' roster and future draft capital. The team's lack of draft picks this year also puts pressure on them to potentially recoup assets by dealing Pitts, especially if Pearce's legal issues force them to move on from another key player.

The details

Pitts is set to earn $15 million on the franchise tag, a salary that could make him an attractive trade target for teams looking to acquire a top-tier tight end. The Falcons' lack of draft capital, with only five picks this year, is a key factor driving speculation about a potential Pitts trade. The team traded up to draft James Pearce Jr. in the first round last year, but he is now facing domestic violence charges that could lead to a suspension or release, further complicating the Falcons' roster and draft plans.

  • The Falcons recently franchise-tagged Kyle Pitts.
  • NFL Free Agency is set to begin soon.

The players

Kyle Pitts

A 25-year-old tight end for the Atlanta Falcons who is coming off a breakout season, finishing second among tight ends in receptions and receiving yards.

James Pearce Jr.

A Falcons first-round draft pick in 2022 who is facing domestic violence charges that could lead to a suspension or release.

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What they’re saying

“One of the biggest reasons why the Falcons might make a move, as Jones points out, is that they do not have a first-round pick in this year's draft after trading up to draft James Pearce Jr., but now he is in trouble with the law due to domestic violence charges.”

— Jake Faigus, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Falcons will need to decide whether to trade Pitts or keep him on the franchise tag, with the team's lack of draft capital and Pearce's legal issues potentially factoring into their decision.

The takeaway

The Falcons face a difficult decision with Pitts, as trading the talented tight end could net them valuable draft capital, but losing such a key offensive weapon would be a major blow. The team's roster and draft situation are in flux, making Pitts' future in Atlanta uncertain.