Kyle Pitts Sr. Contract Terms
Kyle Pitts Sr. is expected to return to the Atlanta Falcons on a franchise tag worth over $15M, according to Ian Rapoport.
Fantasy Football Impact for Kyle Pitts Sr. with the Atlanta Falcons
After five seasons in Atlanta, it's as if the Falcons still don't fully know what they have in Kyle Pitts Sr. Possessing a 6-6 frame and 4.49 speed, Pitts' prospect profile was among the most athletic ever, and the Falcons selected him in 2021 with the fourth overall pick, the highest pick ever used on a tight end. As a rookie, Pitts' 1,026 receiving yards were second only to Mike Ditka's rookie tight end receiving record. A disappointing sophomore campaign was cut short by a knee injury. After a record-breaking rookie season, Pitts averaged just 36.9 yards per game over the next three seasons.
Pitts' production stayed right around his previous three-year average to start the 2025 season, averaging 41.7 yards per game through Week 12. Many assumed that his time with the Falcons had grown stale. With Drake London out of the lineup in Week 13, Pitts suddenly exploded, catching seven of eight targets for 82 yards. The next week, he caught six of 10 targets for 90. The following game, Week 15, Pitts set career-highs across the board: 12 targets, 11 receptions, 166 yards, and three touchdowns. Pitts suddenly looked like the dominant pass-catching tight end he was drafted to be. And the Falcons were left with a head-scratching decision to make.
Given Pitts' production from 2022 through the first half of 2025, the Falcons couldn't possibly feel comfortable giving Pitts a long-term deal. And given his late-season performances, it's easy to understand why the Falcons wouldn't want Pitts to walk in free agency. Despite four contract years and a fifth-year option, the Falcons still have questions.
With Michael Penix Jr. expected to be out for the start of the season, the Falcons don't have a plan at quarterback. Kirk Cousins has displayed a penchant for targeting tight ends, but he is expected to be released at the start of the season. Pitts hasn't been a stranger to poor play under center, and that trend could continue in 2026.
Pitts' target share of 22.7% was fourth-most among all tight ends last year. He was also second among tight ends in air yards, displaying an ability to draw high-value targets downfield. Pitts has also improved his ability to score touchdowns, improving by exactly one touchdown every year he's been in the league.
Fantasy managers have chased Pitts' upside since before he ever took an NFL snap, and there's no reason to stop now. Going into his age-26 season, Pitts is still ascending, yet to reach the age apex for tight ends. His poor seasons can be chalked up to his lingering knee injury, and he looked significantly healthier in 2025. Even with Drake London there to carve out a massive chunk of the passing pie, Pitts should still be targeted as a top-five tight end in 2026 fantasy drafts, and remains just outside of the elite tier in dynasty.