Atlanta Falcons reportedly make 2026 decision on Kyle Pitts
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Atlanta Falcons are making sure to keep Kyle Pitts around for at least the 2026 campaign.
According to multiple reports, the Falcons will use the franchise tag on Pitts in 2026. That will result in a 1-year deal worth more than $15 million. The club hopes to work out a long-term deal with the former Florida tight end.
The #Falcons are planning to franchise tag standout TE Kyle Pitts, sources say, keeping their playmaker in the fold on a 1-year, fully guaranteed deal worth more than $15M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 23, 2026
The hope is to work out a long-term deal rather than the tag. The two sides have until July to do it. pic.twitter.com/dwtlUbKxz7
The Falcons are holding onto Pitts after a career year. In 2025, Pitts recorded 88 catches for 928 yards and 5 touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro recognition. The receptions and TDs were career bests in his 5 seasons, while the yardage mark was his best since 1,026 yards in his rookie season.
Over his 5 professional seasons, Pitts has played in 78 games, making 72 starts. He has 284 catches for 3,579 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Last year, Atlanta finished third in the NFC South, going 8-9. The Falcons are hoping to improve under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. Prediction market Kalshi is already taking action on which team will claim the division crown, allowing fans to wager by predicting the winner:
Pitts, 25, enters his 6th professional season. He had a standout 3-year career at Florida, winning the John Mackey Award, being named a unanimous All-American and making first-team All-SEC twice.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
