The Atlanta Falcons had a rocky season in 2025, but tight end Kyle Pitts emerged as a major bright spot. After a disappointing start to his career, Pitts emerged as one of the top young tight ends in the league a season ago and is one of the top weapons on the team as it transitions to a new era under Kevin Stefanski.
Now, Pitts has been rewarded for his work. On Tuesday, the former No. 4 overall pick signed a three-year, $54 million contract extension with the Falcons that includes $36 million guaranteed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Pitts' deal is the largest three-year tight end contract in NFL history. He was previously slated to play under the franchise tag in 2026, but that is no longer needed.
Pitts is entering his sixth season, but he just recently started playing his best football. The Falcons will be hoping that, on his new deal, he will enter the prime of his career and become the weapon that he was billed to be coming out of Florida. That guy was there in 2025, when he caught 88 balls for 928 yards and a career-high five touchdowns.
Article Continues Below
In 2026, Pitts will join an intriguing group of weapons in Atlanta. Drake London also just received a contract extension and has become one of the best young wideouts in the NFL despite flying mostly under the radar during his career. Bijan Robinson is also arguably the best running back in football, so there is no shortage of firepower around Pitts.
The Stefanski hire is a good sign that another career year could be coming for Pitts in 2026. During his time with the Browns, Stefanski became known for having his tight ends heavily involved in the offense. David Njoku became one of the most explosive tight ends in football under Stefanski and Harold Fannin Jr. had an excellent rookie season in Cleveland in 2025.
With similar usage, Pitts has a chance to really take off next season. Whether it's Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, expect them to be looking in Pitts' direction time after time in Stefanski's offense.
The Atlanta Falcons had a rocky season in 2025, but tight end Kyle Pitts emerged as a major bright spot. After a disappointing start to his career, Pitts emerged as one of the top young tight ends in the league a season ago and is one of the top weapons on the team as it transitions to a new era under Kevin Stefanski.