Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts could set himself up for a big contract extension.
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Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts.
The Atlanta Falcons offseason workout program has begun, and in attendance was tight end Kyle Pitts.
Pitts showed up to Flowery Branch alongside several notable teammates as the Falcons prepare for a new era under nearly completely revamped leadership, from general manager to head coach.
That new leadership, led by general manager Ian Cunningham, has already made a major decision by placing the franchise tag on Pitts. Under the tag, Pitts is set to earn $15 million guaranteed in 2026.
Now, the focus shifts squarely to Pitts’ future. The 2026 season could be pivotal for the former first-round pick, who may position himself for a massive payday if he matches or exceeds his production from last year.
Why Kyle Pitts Agreed To Franchise Tag Deal
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently broke down Pitts’ contract situation and why the tight end ultimately agreed to sign the franchise tag.
“Because it was a good deal for him,” Breer wrote.
Breer explained that the structure gives Pitts leverage to negotiate a significantly larger long-term extension down the line.
“Generally, the way you want to look at negotiating a contract for players at the top of the heap at their position is to take two franchise tags and add them together. That, then, is your guarantee number, and you cut it in half for your average per year,” Breer added.
“In this case, two tags for Pitts (this year’s tag at the aforementioned number, and next year’s at 120% of that number) comes to $33.11 million. Split that in half, and it’s $16.55 million. Give Pitts a small sweetener on those numbers, and we’re talking about, perhaps, a four-year, $68 million extension, with $35 million fully guaranteed. That would put Pitts behind only George Kittle and Trey McBride at his position, and not far off from them.”
There is also the possibility that the Falcons could apply the franchise tag again in 2027, which would increase Pitts’ salary to $18.06 million.
Falcons Leave Door Open For Potential Kyle Pitts Trade
Another scenario that cannot be ignored is Pitts potentially landing on the trade block.
Speaking with the media at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Cunningham offered a somewhat cryptic response when asked about Pitts’ future.
“It’s my job as the general manager to do what’s best for the organization,” Cunningham said, per The Athletic’s Josh Kendall. “Kyle is a great player. We’ve seen his skill set. Also, it’s my job to listen. We’re excited to have Kyle. We’re excited for his future.”
Those five words — “it’s my job to listen” — stand out like a sore thumb.
When factoring in Pitts’ inconsistencies over his first five seasons, along with Atlanta’s pressing need to add draft capital after entering the cycle with just five picks, the idea of a trade becomes more realistic.
“For us, it’s one of those things where we have to go into this thinking we only have five picks. That’s worst case,” Cunningham said, via the team’s website. “If we come out of it with just five picks, we come out of it with just five picks. We are already looking at different ways to potentially manufacture some more. But if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.”
Whether Pitts ultimately cashes in with a long-term extension or becomes a valuable trade chip, his situation remains one of the most important storylines to watch as the Falcons move deeper into the offseason.