Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

New Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski gets good news to start offseason workout program

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 9:42 PM ET

Kevin Stefanski has to like some of the pieces he has to work with as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

He's an offensive-minded head coach, and getting the opportunity to scheme up plays for stars like Bijan Robinson and Drake London has to be exciting.

One massive piece of the puzzle that was up in the air for Stefanski and the Falcons, though, was tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., the former No. 4 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Pitts was a free agent heading into the 2026 offseason, but the Falcons elected to use the franchise tag on him to keep him around for one season, guaranteed, rather than give him a contract extension or let him walk.

The kicker for the Falcons was that Pitts had to agree to play under that franchise tag in 2026. The deadline for making that decision is July 15, but the two sides have apparently quickly decided that this is the way forward.

It's being reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapaport that Pitts is going to sign his franchise tender. He also reported to the start of the Falcons' offseason workout program on Tuesday.

#Falcons TE Kyle Pitts, who was franchise tagged, is signing his tag and showing up for workouts. The two sides can still negotiate a long-term deal, but he locks in his $15.045M fully guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/hWOKzGLbue
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 7, 2026

Kyle Pitts signs franchise tender with Atlanta Falcons

Notably, the Falcons and Pitts can still work out a long-term deal, and one would imagine that he'd like that to be the case.

He currently has no long-term security after the 2026 season, though he will be making a cool $15 million guaranteed to play for the Falcons this season.

It seems like a win-win, for now, because the 6-foot-6, 250-pound tight end is coming off a season that saw him notch 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns.

There's got to be an expectation in Atlanta that Stefanski can get more out of him in 2026 and beyond, but right now, it's a one-year-at-a-time proposition.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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