The Falcons begin their offseason program today. Kyle Pitts will be in attendance since he is now under contract with the team once again.
Pitts has signed his franchise tag, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. He still has plenty of time to work out a long-term agreement with Atlanta, but today’s news allows him to take part in offseason work. Pitts’ 2026 tag is worth $15.05MM.
Questions have long been present about where Pitts will wind up in the short- and long-term future. The former fourth overall pick has been expected to play on the tag, and doing so in Atlanta would represent a sixth year with the team. There has not been much (if anything) in the way of progress regarding talks on a multiyear commitment in this case, however. Speculation about a trade has therefore continued since the Falcons took the tag route with Pitts.
Indeed, general manager Ian Cunningham acknowledged one week ago that he would entertain trade offers on this front. Pitts, 25, topped 1,000 yards as a rookie. His next three seasons were seen as a disappointment given his drop in production and a lack of high-end touchdown totals. A turnaround took place in 2025, though, as Pitts totaled 928 yards on a career-high 88 catches. He could remain a focal point on offense in the event he stays in the Falcons’ plans for at least one more year.
Players unhappy with the tag have previously waited as long as possible before signing the one-year tender close to the beginning of the season. That has not been the case for Pitts, an encouraging sign with respect to his willingness to take part in voluntary spring work. The Florida product is one of many young offensive players the Falcons need to keep in mind when budgeting for future financial commitments. Wideout Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson are of course in a similar situation.
To no surprise, Atlanta is planning for extensions on the London and Robinson fronts, and the team will circle back to that after the upcoming draft. The event is often a prime trade window for veterans around the league, and it will be interesting to see if Pitts draws increased attention from potential suitors over the coming days. In any case, he is in position to collect a fully guaranteed figure for the second year in a row from the Falcons or another team.
Keep him. See what he can do with a loaded offense
When is the offense going to be loaded?
Loaded as in depth with more competent coaches
I’m not sure I see it. They still don’t have a good number two receiver, their number two running back is worse, and they’ve gone from Penix and Cousins to Tua and Penix returning from an injury. Looks like a solid offensive line, two really good position players, and a tight end who is sometimes very good. I don’t think they’re in the top half of the league in offensive talent, even if the headliners are really good.
KC should trade for him. Atlanta needs picks & the Chiefs need a Kelce replacement.
Why? They will get him for free next year when they actually need the Kelce replacement.
As Falcons fan, I would love to trade Pitts, save some money, and get a good enough pick to draft an Eli Stowers or Oscar Delp. Pitts while wildly athletic and someone who has a high ceiling. The QB construct in Atlanta is not conducive to him reaching that high ceiling. I think we need to deal him now.