Kyle Pitts signed the franchise tag with the Atlanta Falcons in the spring. Now the tight end has spoken about the organization’s decision.
The responsibility for this lies with General Manager Ian Cunningham, who has decided to take this step. “Them giving me the tag means Ian is taking a risk,” said Pitts, who is committed to the Falcons through the end of the 2026 season.
He continued: “It’s kind of like my fifth year option, but as a sixth year option. It’s a blessing to get that extra year without being told to test my market value. They trusted that they saw something in me, and that’s pretty darn cool for me.”
After his strong rookie year in 2021, the tight end’s performance leveled off and he did not play consistently. But in the second half of last season there was a positive change again. Atlanta saw its best Pitts in years. The tight end finished 2025 with 88 catches, 928 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.
Pitts focuses on “nutrition and recovery”
Pitts now sees himself as a more complete player than when he started out and explained: “I have definitely matured and developed further physically. The older I get, the more I learn to keep my body at the highest level. Nutrition and recovery play an enormously important role in this.”
Meanwhile, Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator in Atlanta, praised the 25-year-old for his positive influence on the team as a leader. “He’s a great veteran for us right now,” he said of Pitts. “He drives the other players. Of course everyone knows his talent and his success, but we are especially happy about the many different ways we can use him.”
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