Atlanta Falcons Use Franchise Tag to Keep Tight End Kyle Pitts for $16.5M

The Atlanta Falcons have applied their franchise tag to tight end Kyle Pitts, securing him for the 2026 season at $16.5 million. This marks only the fourth time in franchise history the team has used this designation to retain a key player.

The Atlanta Falcons made it official Tuesday by applying their franchise tag to tight end Kyle Pitts, confirming earlier reports from Monday about the team’s intentions to retain the talented receiver.

The 25-year-old player was scheduled to become a free agent following the completion of his fifth-year option in 2025, but the franchise designation secures him for the 2026 season at roughly $16.5 million, which represents the average salary of the five highest-paid players at his position.

“We’re not in the business of letting go (of) really good players,” new general manager Ian Cunningham stated during a Tuesday morning interview with 92.9 The Game, according to the team’s official website.

According to NFL Network, both parties plan to negotiate a long-term contract that would make the franchise tag unnecessary for the upcoming season. The deadline for reaching such an agreement is July 15.

The franchise has rarely used this tool, with Pitts becoming only the fourth player in team history to receive the designation, joining punter Michael Koenen in 2009, defensive back Brent Grimes in 2012, and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett in 2019. Teams must finalize franchise tag decisions by March 3 for the 2026 season.

Pitts earned All-Pro second team recognition in 2025 after posting personal bests with 88 catches on 118 targets and five touchdowns, accumulating 928 receiving yards.

Under the leadership of new head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Pitts will continue serving as a key receiving threat alongside wideout Drake London. Throughout his career, he has worked with multiple head coaches, offensive coordinators, and quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins during the previous season.

Since Atlanta selected him fourth overall in the 2021 draft, Pitts has compiled 284 catches on 451 attempts for 3,579 yards and 15 touchdowns across 78 games with 72 starts.

His rookie campaign in 2021 earned him All-Rookie team honors and a Pro Bowl selection, marking his only season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards.