Falcons Eye 34-TD TE to Replace Free Agent Kyle Pitts

David Njoku emerges as potential target with ties to new OC Kevin Stefanski

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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With star tight end Kyle Pitts entering free agency, the Atlanta Falcons are reportedly looking to add a tight end who has scored 34 touchdowns to bolster their talented offense. Former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku, who has a history with new Falcons offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, has emerged as a potential target for the team.

Why it matters

The Falcons must address the uncertainty surrounding Pitts' future, as he has been a key part of their passing attack since being drafted fourth overall in 2021. Signing a proven tight end like Njoku could provide stability and veteran leadership for Atlanta's young skill position group, led by running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London.

The details

Njoku, a 2017 first-round pick of the Browns, has recorded 384 receptions, 4,062 receiving yards, and 34 touchdowns over his nine-year NFL career. His best season came in 2023, when he ranked fifth among tight ends with an 82.6 impact score and a B- rating from the NFL Tight End Impact Metric (TEi). Meanwhile, Pitts has amassed 284 receptions, 3,579 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns in his five seasons with the Falcons, with his most productive year coming in 2025 when he also earned an 82.7 impact score and B- TEi grade.

  • Kyle Pitts is set to become a free agent this offseason.
  • David Njoku will also be a free agent after spending the last six seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

The players

Kyle Pitts

A tight end who was drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021 out of the University of Florida.

David Njoku

A tight end who was selected 29th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns out of the University of Miami.

Kevin Stefanski

The new offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, who previously held the same position with the Cleveland Browns.

Bijan Robinson

A running back for the Atlanta Falcons, part of the team's young skill position group.

Drake London

A wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, part of the team's young skill position group.

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What they’re saying

“The Falcons could be in the market for a tight end if Kyle Pitts commands a large contract elsewhere. Should that happen, Atlanta will still want to surround quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with as many weapons as possible. In addition, the Falcons' offense is young at the skill positions, led by Bijan Robinson and Drake London. Njoku could be the piece they add to provide a veteran presence while maintaining impact in the tight end room and creating opportunities over the middle of the field in the passing game.”

— Jacob Westendorf, PFSN Analyst (PFSN)

What’s next

The Falcons will need to decide whether to re-sign Kyle Pitts or pursue a replacement like David Njoku in free agency. Njoku's existing relationship with new offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski could give him an advantage in Atlanta's search for a veteran tight end.

The takeaway

The Falcons' decision at the tight end position this offseason will be crucial in supporting their young, talented skill position group and providing stability for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Signing a proven producer like David Njoku could help offset the potential loss of Kyle Pitts while maintaining a strong presence in the passing game.