The Falcons, coming off an 8-9 campaign in 2025, have made major offseason changes, including parting ways with head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot. Ian Cunningham was hired as the new GM in February, setting the stage for assessments on key roster decisions, chief among them what to do with 2021 first-round pick Kyle Pitts.
Pitts, drafted fourth overall as a tight end with exceptional athleticism, saw limited impact relative to expectations for much of his career in Atlanta. He posted a breakout season in 2025, but he remains an unrestricted free agent candidate this offseason, prompting speculation about whether the Falcons will franchise him or pursue other options on the open market.
Sports media reports, including Jason La Canfora of Heavy Sports, indicate that NFL executives are split on Pitts’s long-term value and effort level once contract talks begin. Some consider Pitts a high-upside player who could be worth a one-year franchise tag to prove he can sustain elite performance, while others worry about the consistency of his motor and the potential for a large long-term commitment.
One prevailing angle is the possibility that Atlanta could use the franchise tag on Pitts, potentially around $16 million for a one-year constraint, to keep him in house while assessing his fit within Stefanski’s offensive system. Stefanski’s background in multi-tight end sets with the Browns adds a layer of strategic consideration to whether tagging Pitts would align with the Falcons’ broader roster-building plan.
Analysts also stress the broader offseason context: a shallow market for top-tier free agents and the need for creative moves on the trade market. With the Falcons aiming to raise their ceiling in a constrained free-agent landscape, teams across the league are expected to explore options to maximize value through trades and structural contracts rather than relying solely on free-agent signings.
Overall, the Falcons’ approach to Pitts will reflect a balance between leveraging his upside and managing financial risk, all while integrating aligned with Stefanski’s offensive philosophy and the expectations of a retooled front office under Cunningham. The decision on Pitts’ 2025 form, contract structure, and potential franchise-tag outcome will shape Atlanta’s immediate offseason strategy.
