The Atlanta Falcons finished with an 8-9 record last season and missed the playoffs once again. Atlanta has not made the playoffs since the 2017 season. The Falcons have a new regime in place and already making critical decisions. One of the key decisions they had to make is what to do with pending free agent tight end Kyle Pitts.
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Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jeremy Fowler of espn.com reported, “Falcons plan to franchise tag tight end Kyle Pitts, source confirms. This was the expectation league wide, and now Atlanta locks it in.” Pitts is 25 years old. This is the smart move for Atlanta. It will be interesting to see if he will want to play on the franchise tag or if he will want to be traded elsewhere.
Atlanta Falcons Fans Erupt Over Reports About the Team Franchise Tagging Kyle Pitts
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Dec 29, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) runs against the Los Angeles Rams after a catch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
There are a lot of Atlanta fans who find these reports of Pitts being franchise tagged very interesting. This is what they had to say about it on Twitter:
Atlanta has a hot mess going on over there. I knew paying Kirk that much money, then taking Penix was the biggest joke ever in football. And it will bite them for years to come. Good luck Atlanta fans.
— AX0X7A (@AX0X7A) February 23, 2026
Falcons are protecting their star. Franchise tagging Pitts ensures he stays while they negotiate a long-term deal, keeping their offense anchored around a key playmaker.
— Oluborode James (@james_oluborode) February 23, 2026
Called him a bust, now you scared to let him walk 😭 Just PAY HIM Atlanta!
— PRINCE (@P_R_I_N_C_E_25) February 23, 2026
Falcons making it official. Franchise tagging Kyle Pitts. Smart move keeping their star tight end locked in.
— Kyle Lines (@GrowSoulNow) February 23, 2026
Free kyle pitts from the shackles of atlanta
— mike☀︎ † (@michael2alivee) February 23, 2026
Pitts last season for the Falcons caught 88 passes for 928 yards and five touchdowns, along with averaging 10.5 yards per reception. He also was targeted 118 times. Pitts no doubt is talented. The question will be, if he does stay with the Falcons, will he be properly used? If not, then Pitts might not be with Atlanta much longer also.
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