The Atlanta Falcons are entering a new era under head coach Kevin Stefanski, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, who immediately faces several key decisions, including about the future of tight end Kyle Pitts.
Pitts has experienced a rollercoaster five years in Atlanta, but he took a major step forward this season, posting career highs in receptions and touchdowns. With a new contract on the horizon, one analyst believes the Falcons could use the franchise tag to secure the Pro Bowl TE.
Kyle Pitts’ Breakout Season Forces Falcons Into $15.9M Decision
Pitts was drafted fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Florida and immediately made an impact for the Falcons. As a rookie, he caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards and a touchdown, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most promising young tight ends.
However, Pitts failed to surpass 700 receiving yards in each of the following three seasons, prompting Atlanta to exercise his fifth-year option rather than commit to a long-term extension. That decision now looms large after Pitts’ strong 2025 campaign, especially with Stefanski taking over as head coach.
The expectation around the league is that Pitts will return in 2026, but how that happens remains the key question.
“Kyle Pitts staying in Atlanta suddenly makes a lot more sense under Kevin Stefanski,” wrote PFSN analyst Ryan Guthrie. “Pitts finally broke out this season, showing the player many expected earlier. With Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Pitts, Atlanta has one of the most exciting young trios in football. Stefanski thrives when he has versatile weapons, and Pitts is exactly that.”
Complicating matters is Drake London’s contract situation, which is also extension-eligible. With multiple young stars due for new deals, the Falcons could be forced to turn to the franchise tag for Pitts, a figure projected at $15.9 million for tight ends.
“The number is reasonable and is a good basis for a long-term deal for him,” an AFC executive told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “Not sure what they do with Drake London, but keeping Pitts seems like a good move at this stage.”
Pitts earned $10,878,000 on his fifth-year option in 2025, making the franchise tag a significant raise. But players typically prefer long-term security, and unless Atlanta commits to a multi-year extension, Pitts may be inclined to test the open market.
According to Spotrac, he could command a four-year, $58.5 million deal in free agency.
While the Falcons’ financial flexibility is impacted by the lingering liabilities of the Kirk Cousins contract, Pitts’ 2025 performance strengthens his case. He finished the season with 88 receptions for 928 yards and 5 touchdowns, ranking eighth in PFSN’s Tight End Impact metric with a B-minus grade.
