Kyle Pitts’ future with the Atlanta Falcons now carries a $54 million price tag. The three-year contract, finalized Monday, replaces his $15.045 million franchise tag for 2026 and cements Pitts as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s long-term plans, according to multiple reports and official statements.
The deal includes $36 million fully guaranteed and averages $18 million per year, making it the largest three-year contract for a tight end in NFL history, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Only San Francisco’s George Kittle ($19.1 million) and Arizona’s Trey McBride ($19 million) earn more annually at the position.
| Player | Annual Value (USD) | Total Guaranteed (USD) | Contract Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Kittle | $19.1M | Not specified | Not specified |
| Trey McBride | $19M | Not specified | Not specified |
| Kyle Pitts | $18M | $36M | 3 years |
Pitts earned this payday with a breakout 2025 campaign: 88 receptions, 928 yards, and five touchdowns, all career highs. Only one tight end topped him in receptions and yards last season. His December explosion against Tampa Bay, 11 catches, 166 yards, three touchdowns, marked the first 150-yard, three-score game by a tight end since Shannon Sharpe in 1996.
Franchise Tag Replaced: Falcons Prioritize Flexibility and Core Talent
Atlanta initially used the franchise tag on Pitts in March, guaranteeing him $15.045 million for 2026. By striking this new deal, the Falcons lock in Pitts through 2028 and gain crucial flexibility in managing the salary cap.
General manager Ian Cunningham put the move in context. “When we approach any contract decision, we’re always looking at the broader NFL landscape. How the market is evolving, where it’s headed, and how that aligns with our long-term roster strategy. That process-driven approach allows us to reward our own players while maintaining flexibility moving forward,” Cunningham said.
Pitts’ extension comes on the heels of the team’s $141 million, four-year deal with wide receiver Drake London. With both Pitts and London secured, attention now turns to All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson, as Atlanta signals its commitment to retaining its offensive core.
Financially. Pitts’ deal sets a new benchmark for short-term tight end contracts. Since entering the league as the fourth overall pick in 2021. Pitts has racked up 3,579 receiving yards, fourth among tight ends over that span. Only Travis Kelce (5,121). George Kittle (4,429), and Mark Andrews (3,847) have more.
| Tight End | Receiving Yards (2021-2025) |
|---|---|
| Travis Kelce | 5,121 |
| George Kittle | 4,429 |
| Mark Andrews | 3,847 |
| Kyle Pitts | 3,579 |
The $36 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons gives Pitts security and eliminates the risk of playing on a one-year tag. His agency. Athletes First, negotiated a structure that benefits both sides. The Falcons credited agent David Mulugheta and his team for their professionalism during talks.
At 25 and coming off a second-team All-Pro selection. Pitts stands at the heart of Atlanta’s offensive rebuild. He hasn’t yet reached the “generational” heights some projected when he was drafted, but the franchise is betting his best football is still ahead. Pitts agrees. “I think there’s a lot more out there, a lot more to get, and a lot more things to keep grinding towards,” he said.
Atlanta’s investment in Pitts, paired with recent moves to secure London and the looming negotiations with Robinson, signals a clear shift: the Falcons are building around homegrown, high-upside talent.
