The Atlanta Falcons have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., marking only the fourth time in franchise history that the team has used this designation. Previous recipients include Grady Jarrett in 2019, Michael Koenen in 2009, and Brent Grimes in 2012.
General manager Cunningham confirmed earlier at the NFL Scouting Combine that the move would be finalized, stating, “That should get done today,” which it did. The non-exclusive tag allows Pitts to negotiate with other teams, but gives the Falcons the right to match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if he signs elsewhere.
Cunningham described the decision as “the right move” for the organization at this time. He explained that using the franchise tag is a way to “use the mechanisms provided by the league” and provides additional time for evaluating Pitts’ future with the team and overall roster construction. Cunningham added, “We’re not in the business of letting go really good players,” during an interview on 92.9 The Game.
The NFL’s window for applying franchise or transition tags opened last week, with a deadline of March 3 for teams to use either option. By tagging Pitts early, Atlanta prevents him from entering free agency when the new league year begins on March 11. Teams and tagged players have until July 15 to agree on a multi-year contract; otherwise, only a one-year deal is allowed for that season.
For tight ends in 2026, Spotrac projects the franchise tag value at about $16 million.
Pitts played under his fifth-year option during 2025 and delivered one of his strongest seasons since being drafted fourth overall in 2021. He finished second among tight ends with 88 receptions and 928 receiving yards and tied his career high with five touchdowns—including three scores against Tampa Bay in Week 15. His performance against Tampa Bay was notable as only four times in NFL history has a tight end recorded at least ten catches, over 150 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in a single game—the last being Shannon Sharpe in 1996.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke about his approach to tight ends during his introductory press conference: “I love the position. I coached it. It was my first position to coach on the offensive staff, was tight ends there with the Vikings under coach (Mike) Zimmer,” Stefanski said. “I love the position because of the versatility that it provides an offense. And you’ve seen it around the league. This is nothing new or earth-shattering, but tight ends that can line up all over make life hard on a defense. Whether you can line them up outside, in the backfield, in line, you name it, we love versatility at that position.
“Obviously, Kyle’s somebody that we’ll talk at length more about when it comes to those types of roster conversations, but the position itself is something that we feel really very strongly about.”
On Draymond Green’s podcast last month, Pitts discussed playing under Stefanski: “To see what he’s done in the past is great,” Pitts said, “and talking to David (Njoku) there’s nothing but great things to say. I think that’d be pretty cool.”
Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees both have experience coaching tight ends and emphasize their importance within their offensive systems. In Cleveland during 2024—when Rees coached Browns’ tight ends—David Njoku led Browns receivers with 64 catches and five touchdowns; collectively Browns’ tight ends combined for over 950 yards and eight touchdowns that season.
Rookie Harold Fannin Jr., coached by Rees in Cleveland during 2025, ranked among rookie leaders after catching 72 passes for 731 yards and six touchdowns.
Kevin Koger will continue as Atlanta’s tight end coach after working with Pitts over each of his last two seasons.
Stefanski commented further: “Excited to work with him,” Stefanski said Tuesday. “Obviously, his talent is evident. You can see it on tape what he’s been able to do in his career to date, a guy we’re excited to working with.”
Atlanta Falcons are based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official website, compete in the NFC South division, began play as an expansion team in 1965, advanced twice to the Super Bowl—in 1998 and 2016—and are represented by mascot Freddie the Falcon (official website).
A few weeks after Stefanski indicated discussions regarding Pitts’ future would take place soon after his hiring on January 29th, those talks appear concluded—with Pitts remaining under contract via franchise tag through at least next season.