The Atlanta Falcons are expected to use the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., according to a source who spoke with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The move would keep one of Atlanta’s most dynamic offensive players under team control for at least one more season while longer-term contract discussions can continue.
Applying the franchise tag would prevent Pitts from entering unrestricted free agency and would tie him to the Falcons on a one-year deal at a salary figure determined by the league’s formula for tagged tight ends. The tag is a tool NFL teams can use once per offseason to retain a pending free agent by offering a one-year contract based on either the average of the top salaries at the player’s position or a percentage increase over the player’s previous salary, whichever is higher.
For the Falcons, using the tag on Pitts signals a commitment to keeping him at the center of their offense while they sort out their broader roster and contract plans. Since entering the league as a highly regarded prospect and early first-round draft pick, Pitts has been viewed as a centerpiece in the passing game, capable of creating mismatches against both linebackers and defensive backs. His combination of size, speed and receiving ability has made him a focal point of opposing defensive game plans and a key asset for Atlanta.
The anticipated tagging of Pitts also provides the team with additional time to evaluate its long-term strategy. Teams that use the franchise tag often continue to negotiate with the player on a multi-year agreement, with a deadline set by the league calendar for finalizing an extension. If no long-term deal is reached by that date, the player typically competes under the one-year franchise contract for the upcoming season.
For Pitts, the franchise tag would offer short-term financial security while delaying his opportunity to test the open market for a longer and potentially more lucrative agreement. For the Falcons, it represents a way to maintain continuity on offense and ensure that one of their top playmakers remains in uniform as they prepare for the coming season.
No formal transaction has been announced by the team, and terms associated with the tag have not been disclosed. The situation will remain one to watch as the NFL offseason progresses and Atlanta’s front office continues to shape the roster and salary structure around its core players, including Pitts.
