The Atlanta Falcons have officially placed the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The move ensures the star playmaker remains under team control for the 2026 season and prevents him from entering unrestricted free agency this spring.
Pitts, the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been a cornerstone of the Falcons offense since his debut. Per @RapSheet, the tag is now official, giving the organization and Pitts' representatives additional time to negotiate a potential long-term contract extension. Under the rules of the franchise tag, the two sides typically have until mid-July to reach a multi-year agreement; otherwise, Kyle Pitts will play the 2026 season on a one-year, fully guaranteed salary based on the average of the top players at his position.
Since entering the league, Kyle Pitts has been recognized for his rare combination of size and speed, famously becoming the first rookie tight end in six decades to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. His retention is a clear signal from the Atlanta Falcons front office regarding their commitment to maintaining their core offensive weapons as they prepare for the upcoming season.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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