Tag in hand, future uncertain: Falcons’ big Kyle Pitts decision looms

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Kyle Pitts put pen to paper on his franchise tender back in April, locking in a fully guaranteed $15.045 million for 2026.

While that sorts out his immediate future with the team, it doesn’t address the bigger picture. The Falcons have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal, and their current salary cap situation makes that a tricky conversation.

Pitts is coming off an 88-catch, 928-yard season with five touchdowns in 2025. That is good enough to keep the long-term case alive and expensive enough to make the next contract hard to stage around the rest of the roster.

For years, Atlanta have been waiting for Pitts to recapture the promise he showed as a top-five pick. Last season was his best stretch since his rookie year. But it also came at a time when the team had to decide if they were ready to invest in him as a core player.

The Falcons are working with just under $11 million in effective cap space for 2026 after accounting for future expenses. Kirk Cousins’ $57.5 million cap hit doesn’t make things easier, and there are other roster decisions looming too.

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Other players may end up being prioritised

Pitts’ situation is not unique, but it is complicated by more than just his own contract. The Falcons are juggling several other key decisions that could take precedence, especially with Pitts not holding the same status as a franchise quarterback or top receiver. If Atlanta decides to extend him, it will be within a roster already stretched thin by other commitments.