A clear winner from the Atlanta Falcons 2026 offseason is tight end Kyle Pitts. While the career path has been frustrating with inconsistent production, there is no denying that using the franchise tag on Pitts and opting not to sign a single notable competitor at the position puts the veteran in the driver's seat when it comes to negotiations. Atlanta did bring back Austin Hooper, but the veteran is in the late stages of his career and is more of a secondary weapon, not a player capable of stepping into the role that Pitts filled.
This is a year after inconsistent quarterback play didn't slow Pitts from putting up 928 receiving yards and five touchdowns. While Pitts has signed the franchise tag, the expectation is that negotiations will continue with the sides hoping to reach a long-term deal. One that is deserved after a great season from Pitts made it clear the pass catcher is one of the most important building blocks on Atlanta's roster.
For Pitts, there was reason to wonder if the Falcons could bring in competition that would allow the team to entertain a trade. Opting to bring in Hooper and leave Pitts as the lone threat at the position takes away this concern and puts the tight end firmly in the driver's seat when it comes to negotiating his future.
Falcons Free Agency Decisions Clearly Set Kyle Pitts up to Cash in After Impressive 2025 Season
Spotrac currently projects Pitts' value at $10.8 million per season, with a four-year deal being the expected length. This is due to being classified as a tight end, helping Atlanta escape paying the high rates that receivers are getting for offering the same production as Pitts. This is something that the pass catcher's team is unquestionably bringing up in negotiations, attempting to push this number closer to the rate of star receivers.
Atlanta could've gotten a bit more leverage if they were willing to spend at the position and bring in a clear threat behind Pitts. Instead, the franchise has made it clear that they are betting on the star pass catcher, and Pitts stands poised to benefit.
Pitts also benefits from Hooper, who is by far the most capable receiving threat who has backed up this version of the tight end. Atlanta has rarely invested in the position, leaving secondary options as afterthoughts that the defense doesn't have to concern itself with.
Hooper might not be a starting threat, but the pass catcher is talented enough to take some pressure off Pitts and help balance out the position. With all of this in mind, there is no question that Pitts is one of the biggest Falcons winners emerging from free agency.