Field Level Media
24 Feb 2026, 01:25 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
The Atlanta Falcons are planning on using a franchise tag to retain tight end Kyle Pitts, according to multiple reports.
Pitts, 25, was set to be a free agent but now will be paid approximately $16.5 million for the 2026 season, an average of the top five salaries at his position.
Per NFL Network, the two sides will attempt to work out a long-term deal that will eliminate the need for Pitts to play the upcoming season under the tag. They have until July 15 to come to those terms.
A former fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by Atlanta, Pitts has had a bit of an up-and-down career. His only 1,000-yard season came as a rookie but he exploded back onto the scene more prominently with 88 catches for 928 yards and a career-high five touchdowns last season.
The new coaching staff helmed by Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will retain Pitts as a primary receiving option alongside receiver Drake London.
While not officially announced yet by the team, Pitts is the first player who has been reportedly franchise-tagged this offseason. Indications are that the Dallas Cowboys might use the tag on receiver George Pickens.
Teams have until March 3 to make franchise tag decisions.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Austin Globe news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Austin Globe.
More InformationREDMOND, Washington: Microsoft announced that Phil Spencer is retiring after 38 years at the company, stepping down as head of its...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. investors are withdrawing money from domestic equities at the fastest pace in at least 16 years, as fading...
DETROIT, Michigan: Workers at Volkswagen's Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant have overwhelmingly approved their first contract with the...
SANTA CLARA, California: Nvidia is close to finalizing a US$30 billion investment in OpenAI as part of the artificial intelligence...
BRUSSELS, Belgium: Europe is increasingly looking to Chinese and Indian travellers to sustain tourism growth, as signs emerge of a...
NEW DELHI, India: An Indian startup called Sarvam AI unveiled an artificial-intelligence model more tailored to the languages and cultures...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: More than 550 U.S. commercial driving schools that train truck and bus drivers must shut down after federal investigators...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: U.S. health regulators are set to examine the safety classification of dozens of processed food ingredients,...
(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The Atlanta Falcons are planning on using a franchise tag to retain tight end Kyle Pitts,...
(Photo credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images) The Big 12 Conference does not allow a lot of time to bask in the glow of victory as No....
(Photo credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images) After a pair of marquee games among the top five teams in the country on Saturday, it was...
(Photo credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images) Big 12 power Iowa State is in the midst of a stretch in which five of six opponents are...
