The Atlanta Falcons aren't hiding the fact that they have zero trust in Kyle Pitts moving towards the 2026 season. Pitts is set to play on the franchise tag, while Drake London has already signed a massive extension, and Bijan Robinson appears to be next in line to get a deal. Atlanta appears to have a lack of interest in locking down Pitts, understanding the inconsistent production the tight end has offered throughout the first five years of his career.
While Pitts could be quick to point to a frustrating quarterback situation, this didn't stop London from finding ways to produce. Two out of five years have offered solid production, with the other three seasons being extremely underwhelming. With this in mind, the Falcons are opting to make Pitts play out the deal in hopes of finding a more definitive answer and seeing what level of chemistry can be established with either Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa.
As harsh as this might be, it is the reality of a league that is consistently dealing with a tight salary cap. Opting to pay Pitts would risk overpaying based on what could be an outlier of a 2025 season. As difficult as it might be for the tight end to accept, the Falcons appear unconvinced that paying the pass catcher is the correct decision.
Falcons Showing Clear Lack of Trust in Kyle Pitts Ahead of 2026 Season
Pitts had 928 receiving yards last year and five touchdowns despite spending the latter half of the year with Kirk Cousins serving as his quarterback. Cousins struggled in the pocket, unable to get the ball past the sticks with velocity and to make needed throws, clearly limiting the production of an offense that has a number of elite playmakers.
For the Falcons, this approach makes sense in the fact that you're forcing Pitts to prove it for one additional season and have a possible trade chip if things don't go as hoped. Trading away the tight end ahead of this year's trade deadline is very much on the table if you're not going to pay the pass catcher and the season is going sideways.
Pitts heading into the 2026 season with this potential makes it clear the Falcons don't yet trust the tight end to consistently produce. Considering past questions about effort and the tendency not to always play through the whistle, it is more than fair to need another season of positive tape. One that would force the Falcons to sign an extension and lock down a talented trio of playmakers in Pitts, London, and Robinson.
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