A contract projection for Kyle Pitts

The top Falcons free agent set to test the open market is former fourth overall pick Kyle Pitts.

A year ago, most fans in Atlanta would have been okay saying good riddance. Fast forward to now, and it at least feels as if most would like Pitts to return for a second go-around. The 25-year-old highest-drafted tight end in league history certainly hasn’t lived up to his lofty draft status through his first five seasons, but he made a significant impact in 2025, hauling in 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns.

Those are the numbers of a top-five tight end in the league, and there’s even more hope moving forward that he can exceed that bar with more consistent quarterback play and improved health. Given Atlanta’s lack of pass catchers outside of Drake London, letting Pitts walk would be a rather significant blow to the offense. The Falcons could theoretically franchise tag him, which will cost approximately $16 million in 2026, but that’s typically a last resort used only if a long-term agreement cannot be worked out.

If I had to guess, both Pitts and the Falcons would ideally like to complete a multi-year pact.

Kyle Pitts Contract Projection (via Spotrac)

Four years, $43.3 million ($10.8 million AAV)

The Falcons can franchise tag Kyle Pitts and then use that as leverage in negotiations, which should allow them to sign him to a more favorable deal. But that’s about the only way I see Pitts getting a contract in the $11 million-per-season range.

The current highest-paid tight ends are George Kittle and Trey McBride, making around $19 million per season. Pitts doesn’t have a chance at sniffing anything like that, but his agent can certainly point to T.J. Hockenson’s four-year, $66 million contract as a reasonable bargaining point.

There’s no question Pitts is going to have a lot of interest on the open market. He’s had tons of success when healthy, is still just 25 years old, and the upside is undoubtedly immense. Teams will also wonder if another level could be unlocked with more consistency under center.

If this were baseball-style free agency — where he would be free to sign with any team — Pitts would likely fetch a contract in the $50–60 million range, perhaps even more. But if the Falcons opt to use the franchise tag on him, there’s a chance they can get him at a lower rate. Probably not four years and $43 million like Spotrac projects, but something in the four-year, $48 million range, and both sides should feel pretty happy about the future.