Kyle Pitts Is Finally Breaking Out - Now the Falcons Have a Decision to Make
For months, the future of Kyle Pitts in Atlanta has been a lingering question. But after a breakout performance that turned heads across the league, the conversation is shifting - not just about where Pitts stands now, but what comes next. The Falcons have a decision to make, and it’s not getting any easier.
Let’s start with what we know: Pitts is heading into the final year of his rookie deal. If Atlanta doesn’t lock him up long-term or apply the franchise tag, the 25-year-old tight end will hit the open market this offseason.
That alone makes him a top priority for the Falcons’ front office. But after what he just did against the Buccaneers, the urgency just went up a notch.
Three touchdowns. Eleven catches. 166 yards.
That’s not just a good day - that’s a career-defining moment. Pitts didn’t just show flashes of the player Atlanta drafted in the top five; he reminded everyone why he was that guy in the first place.
And with Drake London sidelined, Pitts stepped up as Kirk Cousins’ go-to option, surpassing 80 receiving yards in three straight games. That’s not a coincidence - that’s chemistry.
It’s also timing. Pitts is heating up at exactly the right moment, and the Falcons are finally seeing the player they hoped for when they made him the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history. His performance in Week 15 earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors - and possibly a bigger paycheck in the near future.
But here’s where things get complicated.
Pitts has made it clear he wants to stay in Atlanta. Speaking with local media, he said, “I love it here,” and emphasized that he’s focused on the present, not the contract negotiations.
*“I don’t think about the money. I don’t think about contracts.
I think about being here in the moment with my teammates and my brothers... Whatever happens, happens.”
That’s the kind of quote that makes coaches and teammates nod in appreciation - but it doesn’t make the decision any easier for the front office. Because while Pitts might not be thinking about the money, the Falcons absolutely have to.
The franchise tag is an option, but it comes with risk. Tagging Pitts would buy Atlanta another year to figure things out, but it could also strain the relationship with his camp. Tight ends across the league have been vocal about wanting long-term security, and Pitts - who’s just now starting to hit his stride - has every reason to want the same.
There’s also the bigger picture. Drake London and Bijan Robinson are both eligible for extensions soon, and the Falcons’ cap situation doesn’t allow for everyone to get paid at once.
That puts general manager Terry Fontenot and owner Arthur Blank in a tough spot. Prioritizing Pitts now could mean tough decisions elsewhere later.
But letting him walk - just as he’s starting to ascend - would be a tough pill to swallow.
Make no mistake: Pitts’ numbers this season haven’t been eye-popping across the board. Before Week 15, his production was solid but not spectacular.
But this recent stretch - especially with London out - has shown what he can do when he’s truly featured in the offense. He’s not just a tight end; he’s a matchup nightmare, a player who can stretch the field, win contested catches, and create problems for defenses in the red zone.
And here’s the thing about breakout games like the one he just had - they change the narrative. They shift perception.
They give front offices a reason to believe that the best is yet to come. Pitts has always had the tools.
Now he’s showing he can put them all together.
The Falcons have a window here. They’ve got a veteran quarterback in Cousins, a dynamic young core, and a fan base that’s hungry for consistent success. Keeping Pitts in Atlanta - not just for next season, but for the long haul - feels like the kind of move that could help solidify the identity of this offense.
Of course, wanting to be in Atlanta is only half the battle. The other half is getting the deal done.
And if Pitts continues to produce at this level, his price tag is only going one direction - up. A new contract will likely push north of $10 million per year, and if he keeps stacking games like this, that number could climb even higher.
But if you’re the Falcons, that’s a good problem to have. Because for the first time in a while, Kyle Pitts looks like the player Atlanta hoped he’d be. Now it’s time to make sure he stays that way - in red and black.