Why Atlanta Falcons are not working on a Kyle Pitts extension

As Kyle Pitts gets ready for the 2025 NFL season, the once hyped tight end enters a defining year for his young career. Pitts is set to make $10.88 million, but as of now he has yet to secure a long-term deal with the Atlanta Falcons. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and per Orlando Ledbetter, “No whispers,” in regard to a new deal. 

Pitts bursted onto the scene in his rookie year, racking up over 1,000 receiving yards and sparking debates about whether he could be the next great tight end in the league. Since then, injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and simply not playing well, has clouded his trajectory. A torn MCL cut his 2022 season short, and although he has managed to put up over 500 receiving yards in back to back seasons since the injury, the explosive impact he promised has yet to fully return. 

Despite the drop in production, Pitts still finds his name in some elite territory. As he is one of only five tight ends to post at least 600 receiving yards in both 2023 and 2024. Most of that productivity came while he was still recovering from injury, and now this upcoming season he has a chance to reassert himself as one of the NFL’s more talented tight ends. 

The opportunity will come with a new starting quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. Penix is expected to start in only his second year, and after showing glimpses of good play late in 2024, there is still some hope that Pitts will finally return to form with better QB play. Pitts could even play a big role in Penix’s development, as he offers a big body target with some experience to navigate an entire season. With a more modern offense under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, and a younger, higher upside QB, 2025 looks like a promising season for Pitts to return to form. 

This past offseason, the Falcons did entertain some trade talks for the tight end. It seemed like they were seeking a Day 2 draft pick, but nothing ever materialized. However, if Pitts and Atlanta start next year slow, those talks could resurface before the trade deadline. Even if they do want to retain Pitts after this year, they could opt to use the franchise tag. Which has become very common for tight ends. 

What might complicate Pitts extension talks, is the looming decisions for Atlanta on paying other young stars like Bijan Robinson and Drake London. If Pitts were to have a strong 2025 campaign, he will be a top name potentially available in next year's free agency. Whether the next comes in Atlanta or somewhere else remains to be seen.