Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, there were rumblings that the Atlanta Falcons could consider parting ways with Kyle Pitts. While the franchise tagged playmaker clearly deserves a new contract, it never made sense to turn the page when the team's pass-catching options were already severely limited. Drake London is a great receiver, but incapable of carrying an entire offense, and that would be what the Falcons were asking if they dealt away Pitts.
With this in mind, not only did the Falcons opt not to deal Pitts, but the franchise didn't add any possible successors. This leaves Austin Hooper as the clear backup and a great second option, who clearly has zero chance of replacing the far younger Pitts. This combines to hand the tight end all of the leverage, with the Falcons clearly being in no position to lose the offensive production.
As things currently stand, Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson are expected to be the team's third and fourth options in the passing attack. Losing Pitts elevates their standing and makes it clear just how much trouble Atlanta is in, no matter who the quarterback might be. Pitts is incredibly important to the Atlanta offense, and the lack of draft additions only furthered this.
For Pitts, it has to be incredibly tempting to consider flexing what leverage the Falcons have handed you and attempt to land a long-term deal before playing. It is security that was earned after the pass catcher put up 928 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in the 2025 season.
Falcons Draft Decisions Continue to Hand Kyle Pitts Leverage in Potential Negotiations
Atlanta has really put itself, in a position to re-sign Pitts, no matter the cost, based on the lack of offensive weapons. As elite as running back Bijan Robinson might be, you've got to find more consistency in the passing attack to get the best out of Robinson. Pitts is a large piece of this and is now even more important that the draft has passed without a possible replacement being added.
It is notable that Hooper was brought in as the second option as an aging veteran who is a solid receiving option. This speaks to a team that appeared to never have any intention of parting ways with their star tight end. Instead, the focus should be on doing what it takes to get a deal done and keep the current core of playmakers in place.
Pitts should benefit as well from the offseason departures of Darnell Mooney and Tyler Allgeier, leaving a clear need when it comes to current pieces stepping up to replace production. No question, the Falcons have put Pitts firmly in the driver's seat and now must do what it takes to get a deal done.
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