The Atlanta Falcons are expected to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts before the start of NFL free agency. While the former top-five pick would have been one of the top players on the market, he will instead return to Atlanta on a one-year deal worth around $16 million.
Tagging Pitts would be the first major move of Ian Cunningham's tenure as general manager. The Falcons reportedly did not want to let the fifth-year tight end leave after having such a productive season. Pitts led the team with 928 receiving yards on 88 catches, adding a career-high five touchdowns.
Even though he's entering his sixth season, Pitts will be just 25 years old next season and has plenty of football left to play. Many were surprised by the news, with some fans lamenting the fact that the top tight end is likely off the market.
Even though it's not yet official, let's see how those around the NFL reacted to the Falcons using the franchise tag on Pitts.
NFL world reacts Kyle Pitts receiving franchise tag
Kyle Pitts had a breakout season in 2025, and the new coaching staff and front office doesn’t want a productive young player walking out the door. https://t.co/R1V3L8yP0R
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 23, 2026
Ian has passed his first test https://t.co/4SoQPKPaQH
— Tre’Shon (@tre3shon) February 23, 2026
Well, this makes free agency a little less sexy. https://t.co/OSmLntcuRX
— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) February 23, 2026
Like it for Pitts and ATL. Love the idea of Pitts in Stefanski’s offense https://t.co/ie31hwjQ8X
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) February 23, 2026
Wow! I thought he'd hit the market.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 23, 2026
Deserves a fat deal. Good player. https://t.co/UCl1zzhDgX
Commanders fans seeing Kyle Pitts get franchise tagged https://t.co/v07n3TPqOFpic.twitter.com/z2VZl5VAr3
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) February 23, 2026
Why are they ignoring Kyle Pitts injuries and pretending that Kirk Cousins suddenly made him so much better… he got hurt and recovered, Cousins isn’t the reason he played better last season
— Tish (@tish________) February 23, 2026
It's crazy how this game really saved Kyle Pitts' career.
— Cam (@42Cyc) February 23, 2026
Kirk>Penix https://t.co/2t4s3H16XXpic.twitter.com/MJYFju1wVe
The content graphic community stock just crashed with the Falcons - Kyle Pitts franchise tag news.
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) February 23, 2026
He was never leaving https://t.co/reDjVIBPBSpic.twitter.com/jgsW2V4FnD
Good! Can't let him walk for nothing. https://t.co/1A6FIk6qCJ
— Jared Yamamoto (@JaredYamamoto) February 23, 2026
Kyle Pitts is scoring exactly 6 touchdowns this season and there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop him
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) February 23, 2026
Kyle Pitts will attend TE University for the first time in three years, per @JoshTheAthletic.
— Rise Up Ryan (@RiseUpReader) February 23, 2026
NO MORE TEAMS THIRSTING OVER KYLE PITTS pic.twitter.com/2bf42bNKxA
— AVY3N🧹 (@avy3n) February 23, 2026
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: NFL world reacts to Kyle Pitts franchise tag