The Atlanta Falcons have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., marking only the fourth time in team history that a player has received this designation. The last Falcon to be tagged was defensive tackle Grady Jarrett in 2019, joining previous recipients Michael Koenen (2009) and Brent Grimes (2012).
General manager Cunningham confirmed earlier at the NFL Scouting Combine that the move would happen, stating, “That should get done today,” which was later made official.
Under league rules, a non-exclusive franchise tag allows Pitts to negotiate with other teams while guaranteeing him a one-year contract valued at either the average salary for his position or 120% of his prior year’s pay—whichever is higher. The Falcons retain the right to match any offer sheet he might sign elsewhere; if they decline, they would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
Cunningham described it as “the right move” for the organization at this time. He said using the franchise tag is a way to “use the mechanisms provided by the league” and gives Atlanta more time to evaluate their plans for Pitts and roster construction after Cunningham’s recent arrival on January 29. “We’re not in the business of letting go really good players,” Cunningham said during an interview on 92.9 The Game.
The NFL’s window for placing franchise or transition tags opened last week, with teams having until March 3 to make their decisions. The Falcons moved quickly to secure Pitts before that deadline.
According to league policy, teams can use either tag on one player set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins March 11. Once tagged, players cannot enter free agency unless released from their tender. Teams and tagged players have until July 15 to negotiate multi-year deals; otherwise, only a one-year contract can be signed for that season.
For tight ends in 2026, Spotrac projects the franchise tag value at about $16 million.
Pitts played under his fifth-year option in 2025 and delivered strong results: second among tight ends in receptions (88) and receiving yards (928), tying his career high with five touchdowns—including three against Tampa Bay in Week 15—and ranking near the top of several key receiving categories through Week 16. His performance against Tampa Bay marked just the fourth time an NFL tight end recorded over ten catches, more than 150 yards receiving, and three touchdowns in a single game—the last being Shannon Sharpe in 1996.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed questions about Pitts’ future during his introductory press conference but focused instead on how important he views versatile tight ends within his offensive philosophy: “I love the position because of the versatility that it provides an offense… Whether you can line them up outside, in the backfield, in line… we love versatility at that position.”
Stefanski added: “Obviously, Kyle’s somebody that we’ll talk at length more about when it comes to those types of roster conversations, but the position itself is something that we feel really very strongly about.”
Pitts recently commented on Draymond Green’s podcast regarding Stefanski’s history working with tight ends: “To see what he’s done in the past is great,” Pitts said. “and talking to David (Njoku) there’s nothing but great things to say. I think that’d be pretty cool.”
Both Stefanski and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees have backgrounds coaching tight ends; Rees previously coached Cleveland Browns’ David Njoku who finished among league leaders for receptions and touchdowns by a tight end during Rees’ tenure there.
Kevin Koger remains as Atlanta’s tight end coach after two seasons working directly with Pitts. Stefanski expressed optimism about continuing this relationship: “Excited to work with him… You can see it on tape what he’s been able to do in his career to date, a guy we’re excited [to be] working with.”
The decision ensures Pitts will remain part of Atlanta’s plans as they look ahead toward finalizing long-term arrangements before next season begins.
The Atlanta Falcons are based in Atlanta, Georgia and compete in the NFL’s NFC South division. Since joining as an expansion team in 1965, they have reached the Super Bowl twice, most recently appearing there after winning NFC championships in 1998 and 2016.
