The Falcons have only used the franchise tag 3 times because the NFL introduced it in 1993. With tight end Kyle Pitts a pending free agent, he could change into the fourth Falcon to receive the tag through the upcoming offseason. Pitts’ late-season surge has turned it right into a possibility, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com says.
Pitts entered the league with great fanfare because the fourth overall pick of the 2021 draft. The previous Florida Gator became the highest-drafted tight end in league history, an honor he continues to carry. Although Pitts only caught one touchdown as a rookie, he hauled in 68 receptions for 1,026 yards. That was enough for the 6-foot-6, 250-pounder to earn a Pro Bowl nod, but he was unable to construct on that in his next three seasons.
Hamstring and knee injuries limited to Pitts to 10 games and 28 catches in his second yr. Pitts bounced back to notch consecutive 17-game seasons from 2023-24, though his numbers were more decent than great. He averaged 50 catches, 635 yards, and roughly 4 touchdowns per yr during that span.
The Falcons picked up Pitts’ fifth-year option after 2023, but they weren’t willing to commit to an extension entering this season. That left Pitts to play out 2025 for $10.88MM, a price tag he has justified.
With 73 catches through 14 games, Pitts has already posted a profession high. He has also tied a private best with 4 scores. Having amassed 797 yards with three games left, Pitts has a likelihood to achieve 1,000 for the second time.
Thanks largely to a scintillating stretch over the past few weeks, Pitts ranks second amongst tight ends in yards and third in catches. The 25-year-old has piled up 24 catches and 338 yards in his past three games. He was at his best in a Week 15 upset over the Buccaneers, whom he torched for 11 receptions, 166 yards, and three touchdowns.
Pitts’ late-season dominance is what Terry Fontenot expected when he used his first draft pick as a general manager on the pass catcher. It hasn’t worked out as hoped for the Falcons, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2018. Fontenot, in charge for a half-decade, isn’t a certainty to return in 2026 because of this.
Whether it’s Fontenot or a distinct GM running the show, that individual may have to come to a decision whether to tag Pitts for roughly $15.88MM. David Mulugheta, Pitts’ agent, “hates the franchise tag,” in line with Rapoport. He’d surely prefer a long-term pact. Nonetheless, the Falcons could have higher priorities in running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London. The team could lock up either or each of them on mega-deals through the upcoming offseason.
A sub-$16MM cost for one yr of Pitts doesn’t look unreasonable, however the Falcons are projected to have just below $1MM in spending space in 2026, per Over the Cap. They may tag Pitts after which try to search out a taker in a trade. Otherwise, they’ll have to clear more room to maintain Pitts and meaningfully address other areas of their roster, potentially including quarterback.
While Pitts and backup QB Kirk Cousins have formed a superb rapport currently, that wasn’t the case when the latter began over a bigger sample in 2024. Cousins, who has taken over since Michael Penix Jr. suffered a partially torn ACL in Week 11, is a transparent release candidate heading into the offseason.
Cutting Cousins would open up a large chuck of cap for Atlanta. It might also result in more uncertainty under center for the Falcons, who may not have Penix originally of next season. Cousins and Penix are a part of an unspectacular group of starting QBs who’ve worked with Pitts during his time in Atlanta. Matt Ryan (on the twilight of his profession), Marcus Mariota, and Desmond Ridder are the others. Not pairing up with a high-level passer has likely held Pitts back to a point. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Falcons place the franchise tag on him in a few months.
If the Falcons don’t tag or re-sign Pitts, he could wind up as probably the most appealing tight end on the open market. Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, David Njoku, and Zach Ertz are also scheduled to achieve free agency. Pitts is by far the youngest member of the group. Kelce, who’s likely in Kansas City-or-retirement mode, Goedert, and Ertz are all on the mistaken side of 30. Njoku will turn 30 in July, and Ertz will enter 2026 off a recent ACL tear. That’s assuming the 35-year-old continues his profession next season.