Falcons franchise tag Kyle Pitts to keep star TE in Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons plan to use the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts to prevent him from hitting free agency, with a 2026 tag value around $16.3 million and the possibility of a long-term deal later. Pitts, who has evolved into a productive receiver (88 catches, 928 yards, 5 TDs in 2025), is seen as a core piece for a Falcons offense under the new regime, which aims to keep him in Atlanta while negotiating a multi-year contract by the July 15 deadline.