Falcons Franchise Tag TE Kyle Pitts for 2026 Season

Atlanta bets big on former first-round pick despite inconsistent production

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:58am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstracted football game, with players' forms broken down into overlapping angular shapes in a palette of deep red, navy blue, and gold.The Falcons' bold gamble on tight end Kyle Pitts' future is a high-stakes move that could pay off big if the talented player reaches his full potential.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Falcons are planning to use the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts, a former first-round pick, for the 2026 season. This move comes as a surprise, as Pitts' performance has been somewhat inconsistent since joining the team in 2021. However, the Falcons' new coaching staff, led by head coach Kevin Stefanski, sees the value in keeping Pitts and is willing to invest $16.3 million in him for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The Falcons' decision to franchise tag Pitts is a bold move that reflects their belief in his potential. Despite Pitts' up-and-down career so far, the team is hoping that with Stefanski's guidance, he can consistently perform at the high level he showed in his breakout 2025 season. This investment in Pitts could be the missing piece to the Falcons' offensive puzzle, but it also carries significant risk if he fails to live up to expectations.

The details

Pitts, a former first-round pick, had a promising rookie season in 2021, posting a 1,000-yard campaign. However, his production dipped in the following two seasons, leading many to expect the Falcons to let him explore free agency. But the team's new regime, led by Stefanski and GM Ian Cunningham, is convinced that Pitts can be a dominant force with the right coaching and support. In 2025, Pitts had a breakout year, catching 88 passes for 928 yards and five touchdowns, proving he can be a game-changer.

  • Pitts joined the Falcons in 2021 as a first-round draft pick.
  • In 2025, Pitts had a breakout season, catching 88 passes for 928 yards and five touchdowns.
  • The Falcons are planning to use the franchise tag on Pitts for the 2026 season.

The players

Kyle Pitts

A tight end for the Atlanta Falcons who was a first-round draft pick in 2021. Despite some inconsistent production, the Falcons believe he has the potential to be a dominant force in their offense.

Kevin Stefanski

The head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, known for his affinity for tight ends and his ability to develop offensive talent.

Ian Cunningham

The general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, who is working with Stefanski to build a competitive roster.

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What they’re saying

“We must do everything we can to keep our top playmakers, and Kyle Pitts is a huge part of our future. We believe in his talent and are excited to see what he can do under Kevin's leadership.”

— Ian Cunningham, General Manager, Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

The Falcons' ultimate goal is to sign Pitts to a long-term deal, ensuring he remains a key part of their offense for years to come. The team will continue to work on a contract extension with Pitts throughout the offseason.

The takeaway

The Falcons' decision to franchise tag Kyle Pitts is a high-risk, high-reward move that reflects their belief in his potential. While it's a significant investment, the team is hoping that with the right coaching and support, Pitts can become a dominant force in their offense and help lead the Falcons to success. This move will be closely watched by the NFL community as a test of the Falcons' ability to develop and maximize the talent of their young stars.