What's Happening?
The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly planning to apply the franchise tag to their tight end, Kyle Pitts, as per multiple reports. The franchise tag for tight ends in 2026 is projected to be approximately $16 million, calculated by averaging the top five
salaries at the position. NFL teams have until March 3 to apply the franchise tag to a player, and those tagged have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract. If no agreement is reached by then, the player must play under the franchise tag unless they hold out. Pitts, who is 25 years old, played the 2025 season on a $10.9 million fifth-year team option from his rookie contract. Despite a strong rookie season with 68 catches for 1,026 yards, Pitts has not reached 1,000 yards in subsequent seasons. However, in 2025, he had his best performance since his rookie year, with 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns, ranking second in yardage among NFL tight ends.
Why It's Important?
The decision to franchise tag Kyle Pitts is significant for both the player and the Atlanta Falcons. For Pitts, the franchise tag means a substantial salary increase, but it also delays his opportunity to secure a long-term contract. For the Falcons, tagging Pitts allows them to retain a key player while buying time to negotiate a more permanent deal. This move reflects the team's commitment to Pitts despite his inconsistent performance in past seasons. The franchise tag also impacts the team's salary cap and future roster decisions, as they must balance retaining talent with financial constraints. The outcome of these negotiations could influence the Falcons' competitiveness in the upcoming season and their ability to attract or retain other players.
What's Next?
With the franchise tag applied, the next step for Kyle Pitts and the Atlanta Falcons is to negotiate a long-term contract before the July 15 deadline. If an agreement is not reached, Pitts will play the 2026 season under the franchise tag. The negotiations will likely involve discussions about Pitts' performance, potential, and value to the team. The Falcons' management will need to consider their salary cap situation and future team-building strategies. Pitts' performance in the upcoming season could also affect his market value and the team's willingness to invest in a long-term deal.
