Once considered a future standard-setter for the tight end market, Kyle Pitts now finds himself in a far more uncertain position.
Three years removed from his record-setting rookie season, Pitts is set to play the 2025 season on his $10.88 million fifth-year option with “no whispers” of an extension, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter. Though his production has dipped, Pitts remains one of only five tight ends — along with Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Sam LaPorta and Trey McBride — to eclipse 600 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons.
Still, that hasn’t guaranteed him long-term security in Atlanta. A serious MCL tear in 2022 hindered his development, and despite perfect attendance the past two years, Pitts hasn’t matched the dominance of his 1,026-yard rookie campaign. Now, entering a crucial contract year, the Falcons are taking a wait-and-see approach.
Part of that hesitation may stem from a coaching staff reset. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson wasn’t in place for Pitts’ peak season, and neither was head coach Raheem Morris. It’s also no secret Atlanta’s quarterback play has been turbulent — from Marcus Mariota to Desmond Ridder and an injury-plagued Kirk Cousins. That carousel contributed to Pitts’ inconsistent numbers.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported earlier this offseason that “multiple teams have reached out to the Falcons about the availability of TE Kyle Pitts.” While Schultz noted that “nothing is imminent,” Atlanta would reportedly require “at least a Day 2 pick to even spark serious talks.”
Trading Pitts midseason could re-enter the picture if the Falcons struggle out of the gate, but Blogging Dirty’s Grayson Freestone argued against such a move.
“Kyle Pitts is someone the Falcons can’t replace for 2025,” Freestone wrote. “They have no receiving threat without him, and there aren’t any outside options to fill his spot.”
With second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. stepping into the starting role, Pitts’ presence may be more vital than ever. His ability to serve as a security blanket could be key to Penix’s development — and his own market value.
If Pitts delivers, Atlanta could choose to franchise tag him in 2026. The 2024 tight end tag price was $13.8 million, a figure that may be favorable for a player still only 25 years old. The ball, quite literally, is in Pitts’ court.
