Tag: Kyle Pitts

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Report: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts signs franchise tag, arrives for workouts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has signed his franchise tender and will participate in voluntary workouts, NFL Network reported on Tuesday.

He will be under contract with the Falcons for 2026 on a one-year deal worth $15.045 million. He still can potentially sign a multi-year contract with the Falcons by July 15, the deadline for players on the franchise tag.

Pitts, 25, was voted to the All-Pro second team in 2025, when he recorded career highs of 88 receptions, 118 targets and five touchdowns while totaling 928 yards.

The new coaching staff headed by Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will retain Pitts as a primary receiving option alongside receiver Drake London.

Pitts has played for two different head coaches, two offensive coordinators and a variety of quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins last season. The Falcons signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract last month.

Pitts has 284 receptions on 451 targets for 3,579 yards and 15 TDs in 78 career games (72 starts) since being selected by the Falcons with the fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

He made the 2021 All-Rookie team and was selected to the Pro Bowl that season — his only 1,000-yard campaign.

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Falcons officially place franchise tag on TE Kyle Pitts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons officially placed the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts on Tuesday, following multiple reports from one day earlier.

Pitts, 25, was set to be a free agent after playing out his fifth-year option in 2025, but now he will be paid approximately $16.5 million for the 2026 season, an average of the top five salaries at his position.

“We’re not in the business of letting go (of) really good players,” the Falcons’ new general manager Ian Cunningham told 92.9 The Game on Tuesday morning, per the team’s website.

NFL Network reported that 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.

Per the team, it’s just the fourth time in franchise history the Falcons have used the franchise tag, with Pitts following punter Michael Koenen (2009), defensive back Brent Grimes (2012) and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (2019). Teams have until March 3 to make franchise tag decisions for the 2026 season.

Pitts was voted to the All-Pro second team in 2025, when he recorded career highs of 88 receptions, 118 targets and five touchdowns while totaling 928 yards.

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. Pitts has played for two different head coaches, two offensive coordinators and a variety of quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins last season.

For his career, Pitts has 284 receptions on 451 targets for 3,579 yards and 15 TDs in 78 games (72 starts) since 2021, when Atlanta drafted him with the fourth overall pick.

Pitts made the 2021 All-Rookie team and was selected to the Pro Bowl that season — his only 1,000-yard campaign.

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Reports: Falcons using franchise tag on TE Kyle Pitts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

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

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons TE Kyle Pitts dealing with undisclosed injury

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is working through an undisclosed injury, coach Raheem Morris said Monday.

Pitts, 24, is entering the final year of his contract and his absence from practice sessions that were open to the media last week sparked questions about a potential holdout.

Morris appeared to put those rumors to bed, at least for now, as the Falcons began their second week of voluntary OTA practices.

“Extremely cautious with Kyle right now and what he’s got going on,” Morris said. “Obviously, don’t talk about injuries this time of year, but definitely being cautious with him, so you won’t see him. He’s been here, he’s done such a great job. … He’s been in every single thing that we’ve done other than the field, and he’s been absolutely outstanding to be around.”

Drafted fourth overall in 2021, Pitts made the Pro Bowl and eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie but has been unable to match that production since.

He caught 47 passes for 602 yards and a career-high four touchdowns in 17 games last season, bringing his career total to 196 receptions for 2,651 yards and 10 TDs in 61 games (55 starts).

Pitts is scheduled to earn $10.878 million in 2025, playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal.

–Field Level Media

Dec 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Falcons TE Kyle Pitts poised to play in opener vs. Steelers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts was a full participant in practice for the second straight day on Friday and is expected to play in Sunday’s season opener against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pitts was limited in practice on Wednesday as he dealt with a hamstring injury.

Inside linebacker Nate Landman also was a full participant in practice on Friday after being limited the previous two days due to a quad injury.

Also on Friday, offensive tackle Jake Matthews and defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham were limited while being listed for rest purposes. Defensive tackles David Onyemata and Grady Jarrett did not practice on Friday for the same reason.

The Falcons officially ruled out defensive back Antonio Hamilton due to a groin injury. He was a limited participant on Thursday before failing to practice on Friday.

Pitts was named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season, when he caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, but his production had tailed off in the two seasons since, in part due to MCL and PCL injuries suffered midway through his sophomore campaign.

Pitts, 23, has totaled 149 receptions for 2,049 yards and six touchdowns over 44 career games (40 starts) while catching passes from Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke in the past two seasons.

Landman, 25, recorded a career-high 110 tackles to go with three forced fumbles and two sacks in 16 games (14 starts) last season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) runs for a touchdown after a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Falcons TE Kyle Pitts, LB Nate Landman nursing injuries

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and inside linebacker Nate Landman were expected to be limited in practice on Wednesday, head coach Raheem Morris said.

Pitts is nursing a hamstring injury and Landman is dealing with a quad ailment that he sustained during training camp last month.

“(Pitts) went out there and practiced the other day for us and did a really good job,” Morris said. “… He had a hamstring a couple weeks ago or whatever it was. It really hasn’t affected him too much. He’s been out there practicing, doing just about everything, and we’re ready to go.”

Pitts was selected by Atlanta with the fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

He was named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season, when he caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, but his production had tailed off in the two seasons since, in part due to MCL and PCL injuries suffered midway through his sophomore campaign.

Pitts, 23, has totaled 149 receptions for 2,049 yards and six touchdowns over 44 career games (40 starts) while catching passes from Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke in the past two seasons.

Landman, 25, recorded 110 tackles, three forced fumbles and two sacks in 16 games (14 starts) last season. Because of the injury, he hasn’t practiced since Aug. 15.

The Falcons host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday to open the season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) runs for a touchdown after a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons exercise fifth-year option for TE Kyle Pitts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons picked up tight end Kyle Pitts’ fifth-year option on Monday.

The fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft will stay with Atlanta through at least 2025. The option carries a guaranteed $10.878 million salary for 2025.

Pitts was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021, when he caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, but his production had tailed off in the two seasons since, in part due to a torn MCL midway through his sophomore campaign.

Pitts, 23, has totaled 149 receptions for 2,049 yards and six touchdowns over 44 career games (40 starts) while catching passes from Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke in the past two years.

The Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency before adding QB Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the draft last week.

Atlanta is also expected to have a new game plan under Raheem Morris, who was hired to replace Arthur Smith as head coach. Speaking at the owners’ meetings last month, Morris indicated he was high on Pitts.

“He’s the mayor of Atlanta,” Morris said. “I think he wants to come back and have a highly productive year. I think he’s excited about his partnership with some of the guys that we brought in.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons TE Kyle Pitts recovering from surgery

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is recovering from surgery to repair a torn MCL in his right knee.

Pitts shared a post-operation photo from a hospital bed showing his knee in a brace. The image was on his Instagram story Wednesday.

“Day 1,” read the caption.

The Falcons placed Pitts on injured reserve Monday, one day after taking a hit to the knee in the third quarter of a 27-24 victory against the Chicago Bears.

Pitts, 22, posted 28 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns in 10 starts this season.

He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie first-round pick in 2021, catching 68 passes for 1,026 yards and a touchdown in 17 games (15 starts). He joined Mike Ditka as the only rookie tight ends in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards.

–Field Level Media

Oct 23, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith calls a time out in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Arthur Smith: Falcons will miss Kyle Pitts’ ‘enormous’ impact after IR move

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After Sunday’s thrilling 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears, the Atlanta Falcons are surprisingly just a half-game out of first place in the NFC South and in position to make a run at winning the division.

But any optimism surrounding the Falcons (5-6) in Arthur Smith’s second season as coach was overshadowed Monday by knee injuries to tight end Kyle Pitts and defensive end Ta’Quon Graham, who were placed on injured reserve.

Pitts, who plays a valuable role in Atlanta’s offense with his unique skill set as a receiver and blocker, injured his right knee Sunday. Though the Falcons have not confirmed the severity of the injury, NFL Network reported that the team believes he suffered a torn MCL.

“I did not go to medical school so I listen to the experts,” Smith said Monday, before Pitts’ move to IR. “Obviously it’s important with a player of Kyle’s caliber, and I understand why it’s newsworthy and people want to know, but I, not trying to be evasive, let the guys who are medical experts handle it.”

Graham, the team’s starting left end, also suffered a knee injury Sunday and had to be carted off the field. Both Pitts and Graham will have to miss at least four games before returning from IR.

The injury to Pitts put the Falcons behind the eight-ball against the Bears with fellow tight ends Feleipe Franks and Anthony Firkser inactive. MyCole Pruitt and Parker Hesse saw increased action as a result of Pitts being out. But the loss of Pitts for any period of time is a major blow to Atlanta’s offense.

Pitts has 28 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns over 10 games. He was a Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2021, with 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one touchdown.

“I know the stats aren’t as gaudy as his rookie season but his impact on winning has been enormous for us,” Smith said. “I know at times we haven’t been in sync with the way we’ve had to play, and you are going to sacrifice some passing numbers. But the guy’s a great teammate. He doesn’t pout like a lot of guys with that kind of hype. But he’s a real person and that’s why we love him. And the future is really bright for him.”

Graham, a stout run defender, has 34 tackles and a fumble recovery this season.

This week, Atlanta travels to take on the red-hot Washington Commanders in a critical game that could help determine a playoff spot. Washington (6-5) has won two in a row and five of its last six games.

Taylor Heinicke replaced Carson Wentz at quarterback and improved to 4-1 as the team’s starter this year following the Commanders’ 23-10 win over Houston. He also led Washington to a 32-21 upset of previously undefeated Philadelphia on Nov. 14.

The play of Heinicke, along with a resurgent rushing attack led by Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson, has been critical to Washington’s recent success.

Another key has been the play of the Commanders’ defensive line. Despite playing without star defensive end Chase Young due to a torn ACL he suffered last season, Washington has 29 sacks through 11 games, tied for 10th in the league.

Young was activated to Washington’s 53-man roster Monday and could make his season debut against Atlanta. The Falcons’ offensive line is playing well, but it will face a major challenge against a rugged Commanders front which features Daron Payne (6.5 sacks), Jonathan Allen (6.5 sacks) and Montez Sweat (6.0 sacks).

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Falcons fear MCL sprain for TE Kyle Pitts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts will have an MRI Monday to confirm the initial diagnosis of an MCL sprain, NFL Network reported.

Pitts took a hit to his right knee early in the third quarter of Sunday’s 27-24 victory against the visiting Chicago Bears. He had three catches for 43 yards before exiting.

Pitts, 22, has 28 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns through 10 starts this season.

He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie first-round pick in 2021, catching 68 passes for 1,026 yards and a touchdown in 17 games (15 starts). He joined Mike Ditka as the only rookie tight ends in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards.

–Field Level Media