Falcons $43 million free agent predicted to leave Atlanta for Buccaneers

Analyst forecasts tight end Kyle Pitts will depart Atlanta to sign with Tampa Bay in free agency

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:47am

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The Atlanta Falcons have a key pending free agent in tight end Kyle Pitts, and one analyst predicts he will leave Atlanta to sign a new contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pitts is projected to land a four-year, $43 million deal in free agency after bouncing back with a strong 2025 season, catching 88 passes for 928 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Why it matters

Pitts is one of the Falcons' top offensive weapons, so his potential departure would be a significant loss for the team. The Buccaneers have a need at tight end with Cade Otton set to hit free agency, and new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has a prior connection with Pitts from their time together in Atlanta.

The details

Pitts, the former 4th overall draft pick, had a breakout 2025 season after three underwhelming years to start his career. The Falcons would be wise to try to retain him, but with a new regime in place, there's no guarantee he'll stay in Atlanta. Analyst Frank Ammirante of Fantasy Pros predicts Pitts will leave the Falcons to sign a 4-year, $43 million contract with the Buccaneers, who could view him as an upgrade over the departing Otton.

  • Pitts is set to become a free agent in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Kyle Pitts

A tight end for the Atlanta Falcons who is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season.

Frank Ammirante

An analyst for Fantasy Pros who predicts Pitts will leave the Falcons to sign with the Buccaneers.

Zac Robinson

The new offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who previously held the same position with the Falcons.

Cade Otton

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' current starting tight end, who is also set to become a free agent.

Mike Evans

A wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who is under contract but may not be retained.

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What they’re saying

“There's a connection here, as well. New Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson held the same position with the Falcons for the past two seasons. Perhaps he'll want to bring Pitts with him.”

— Frank Ammirante, Analyst (Fantasy Pros)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to decide if they want to prioritize re-signing Mike Evans or pursuing Kyle Pitts in free agency, as they likely don't have the salary cap space to sign both players to lucrative deals.

The takeaway

This potential move highlights the challenges the Falcons face in retaining their top offensive talent, as well as the Buccaneers' need to find a long-term solution at tight end to complement their passing attack.