Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Falcons buy time for Kyle Pitts extension with franchise tag

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 2:07 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons have given themselves another year to work on an extension for what they hope is the tight end of their future.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Atlanta will be placing its franchise tag on star tight end Kyle Pitts. Pitts, a fifth-year player, had a breakout season in 2025 that earned him second-team All-Pro honors.

He will earn more than $15 million on the franchise tag. According to Rapoport, though, an extension between both sides is the ultimate goal. July is the deadline for that to be reached.

Kyle Pitts has trended upward each season

The breakout year many have expected finally came in 2025 for Pitts, as he posted career highs in receptions (88), first downs (51) and touchdowns (five).

Interestingly enough, Pitts' yearly touchdown numbers have correlated with his years in the NFL (1 TD in Year 1, 2 TDs in Year 2, etc.). If that trend continues, a six-touchdown season is on the horizon for the former first-round pick.

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

Kevin Stefanski has an elite offense to work with

Keeping a threat like Pitts around for at least one more season gives new head coach Kevin Stefanski one of the best skill groups in the NFL.

Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Pitts are an elite skill group that has the potential to compete atop the NFC South after narrowly missing the playoffs in each of the previous two seasons. The health and success of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will take Atlanta as far as it hopes to go in 2026 and beyond.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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