The Atlanta Falcons are prepared to prevent former No. 4 overall selection Kyle Pitts from entering free agency this offseason. The franchise intends to tag their prominent tight end, as reported by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones.
It was anticipated that Atlanta would place the franchise tag on Pitts while negotiating a new contract. The Falcons have until July 15 to finalize a deal. If Pitts plays under the tag in 2026, he’ll earn a guaranteed amount of $16,007,000, according to Spotrac.
With anticipated salary cap space of $26,462,519, ranking No. 15 in the NFL per Over The Cap, there is also a chance Pitts might be tagged and traded if a suitable offer arises. Atlanta’s first draft pick is currently set at No. 48 overall.
Pitts is among the top tight ends potentially hitting free agency, joined by Travis Kelce, David Njoku, Isaiah Likely, Dallas Goedert, Cade Otton, and Chig Okonkwo.
Last season, Pitts had a standout performance with 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns. Notably, during a decisive Week 15 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he achieved 166 yards and three touchdowns from 11 catches out of 12 targets from Kirk Cousins.
Having made the Pro Bowl in 2021 as the first rookie tight end since Mike Ditka in 1961 to surpass 1,000 receiving yards, Pitts was also named a Second Team All-Pro last season. Across 78 games, he has recorded 284 catches, 3,579 yards, and 15 touchdowns.
Pitts stands as the second player projected to receive the franchise tag, following Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens. Breece Hall of the New York Jets is also a player to keep an eye on.
