Falcons Secure Kyle Pitts with Franchise Tag as Offseason Begins

TITLE: Falcons Secure Kyle Pitts with Franchise Tag as Offseason Begins

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has signed his franchise tag and is set to begin voluntary workouts with the team this offseason, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday. The 25-year-old will earn $15.045 million for the 2026 season under the one-year tender. The Falcons and Pitts can continue contract negotiations until the July 15 deadline.

Pitts had a career year in 2025, finishing with 92 receptions for 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance earned him second-team All-Pro honors and helped establish him as one of the most valuable tight ends in the league. Atlanta franchise tagged him after replacing head coach Raheem Morris with Kevin Stefanski, who has expressed a desire to keep Pitts as a central figure in his offensive system.

Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham recently stated the team did not "want a player of Kyle's caliber to be able to go and hit the open market." Atlanta’s decision to tag Pitts reflects their commitment to retaining a key playmaker in a revamped offense. The team lost several key contributors in free agency, including quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Tyler Allgeier, and wide receiver Darnell Mooney.

To replace those departures, the Falcons signed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Jahan Dotson, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, running back Brian Robinson, running back Tyler Goodson, and tight end Austin Hooper. Despite these additions, keeping Pitts allows Atlanta to maintain a core of playmakers that includes Bijan Robinson and Drake London.

The franchise tag decision comes amid a significant overhaul of the Falcons’ roster. Atlanta entered the 2026 offseason with just five draft picks, the fewest in the league, as Cunningham admitted, “That’s the hand that we were dealt.” The team is now focused on building a competitive offense around its returning stars while integrating new talent.

With Pitts now under contract, the Falcons can shift attention toward finalizing their quarterback situation and evaluating their depth at running back and wide receiver. The July 15 deadline remains the key date for a long-term deal with Pitts, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

The Falcons open training camp in late July, with the goal of building a consistent offensive attack under Stefanski’s leadership.