Source: Falcons plan to place franchise tag on TE Kyle Pitts - ESPN

ESPN

by Marc Raimondi

February 23, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons are set to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts, ensuring he remains with the team for at least one more season. This move keeps one of the top tight ends in the NFL under contract, with a reported 2026 salary of $16.3 million based on the franchise tag guidelines. The Falcons have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal; if no agreement is reached, Pitts will play the 2026 season under the franchise tender. Free agency begins shortly after the upcoming deadline for teams to use the franchise or transition tags. Pitts, 25, had a breakout season in 2023, leading all tight ends with 88 receptions and finishing second in receiving yards (928) and touchdowns (five). His performance earned him AP Second-Team All-Pro honors. However, his career has been marked by inconsistency and injuries since his record-breaking rookie year in 2021, when he became the first tight end to surpass 1,000 yards since 1961. Over the past three seasons, Pitts has dealt with a torn MCL and multiple quarterback changes, including six different passers throwing to him from 2022 to 2024. Despite these challenges, Pitts remains a valuable asset due to his combination of size (6-foot-6, 250 pounds) and speed. His game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in December stands out as one of the best performances by a tight end in NFL history, with 11 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns—a feat not matched by another tight end since Shannon Sharpe in 1996. The Falcons’ decision to tag Pitts reflects their confidence in his potential and ability to contribute

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026