Report: Falcons to use franchise tag on Kyle Pitts

According to Ian Rapoport, the Atlanta Falcons will use the franchise tag on Kyle Pitts, which is set to be worth more than $15 million for the highest-drafted tight end in league history.

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.

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

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 23, 2026

As Rapoport notes, the hope for both parties is that a long-term extension can still be worked out this offseason, keeping the 25-year-old in Atlanta for several more years.

What that might look like is something I recently discussed. Spotrac puts Kyle Pitts’ market value at four years for around $43 million total. Based on the totality of his production over his five seasons with the team, that’s probably a fair evaluation.

However, from Pitts’ perspective, it’s easy to see why his agent would push for something much more lucrative. His upside is up there with the best tight ends in the league, and while he’s struggled with injuries and inconsistency, his 2025 season was a reminder that he can be a 1,000-yard pass catcher and a deadly red-zone threat when healthy. It’s also not as if Pitts has dealt with pristine quarterback play since his rookie season, with the Falcons essentially playing musical chairs under center in each of the last four seasons.

By franchise tagging Pitts, Atlanta does gain a little leverage at the negotiating table. But it’s still probably going to take something in the four-year, $50+ million range for him to sign on the dotted line — which, at some point this offseason, I expect to get done now that the Falcons have made the franchise tag official.

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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire

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