Kyle Pitts Sr.
Tight End #8
Kyle Pitts Sr. News
Kyle Pitts Sr. Signs Franchise Tender on Thursday
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. officially signed his $15.045 million franchise tender on Thursday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Pitts is locked into a sixth season with the Falcons, but the team's brass may want to see another strong season in 2026 before getting serious about signing him to a long-term extension. The 25-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Florida looked legitimate in his first year in the NFL, when he posted a 68-1,026-1 line on 110 targets over 17 games. However, He combined for just nine touchdowns and didn't exceed 667 receiving yards or 53 receptions in his next three seasons from 2022 to 2024. Pitts finally broke out again for fantasy managers in 2025, securing 88 receptions on 118 targets for 928 yards and five touchdowns in 17 starts in a career year. Can he do it again? Well, it's a major question mark, especially with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. (knee) set to compete for the starting QB job this summer. He should still be considered a TE1 in fantasy in 2026, but fantasy managers shouldn't reach for him as an elite TE1. Right now, RotoBaller has Pitts ranked as the No. 8 option at his position.
May 7, 2026 1:31 PM EST
Chiefs Looking to Acquire Kyle Pitts Sr. From the Falcons?
There is a possibility that the Atlanta Falcons trade tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. during the 2026 NFL draft this week, according to John Breech of CBS Sports. New Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham already admitted that the team will listen to offers for Pitts and other players. Breech thinks that if Atlanta is serious about trading Pitts, the Kansas City Chiefs should give them a call as they look to grab their next TE for life after Travis Kelce. KC currently has two first-round picks in this year's draft, and they would likely be able to get a deal done for Pitts by giving the Falcons one of those first-rounders. The Falcons don't have a first-round pick this year (and have only five total picks in the draft), and if they trade Pitts away, they'd free up $15 million in salary cap space for this season. Pitts finally broke out for fantasy managers in 2025 and was the TE2 overall in half-PPR scoring with 88 catches, 928 yards, and five touchdowns in 17 games. A move to KC would be attractive in the long-term, but with Kelce still around for another season, it would seriously hurt Pitts' 2026 redraft value.
Apr 22, 2026 7:57 AM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. Signs Franchise Tag, Present for Offseason Workouts
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is signing his franchise tag and will be present for the start of the team's offseason program this week, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Pitts and the Falcons can still negotiate a long-term deal until the deadline in mid-July, but he's now locked into his $15.045 million fully guaranteed one-year deal on the franchise tag for the 2026 season. The 25-year-old finally delivered for fantasy managers in 2025 after teasing everyone with a 1,000-yard season as a rookie. In 17 starts last year, the former fourth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Florida caught 88 of his 118 targets for 928 yards and five touchdowns. He was especially productive down the stretch when it mattered the most for his fantasy managers. Although Pitts' fantasy stock is on the rise after his big season, there is still plenty of volatility with Atlanta's quarterback picture unsettled between the injured Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa.
Apr 7, 2026 8:19 AM EST
Falcons Not Ruling Out Potential Kyle Pitts Sr. Trade
Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham isn't ruling out the possibility of trading tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., who is currently set to play the 2026 season on the franchise tag, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "It's my job as the general manager to do what's best for the organization," Cunningham said. "Kyle is a great player. We've seen his skill set. Also, it's my job to listen. We're excited to have Kyle. We're excited for his future." Pitts finally broke out for his fantasy managers in 2025, catching 88 of his 118 targets for 928 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in 17 starts in his fifth year in the NFL to finish as the TE2, behind only Trey McBride, in half-PPR scoring. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues must be careful not to overvalue Pitts, though, as new head coach Kevin Stefanski "will explore" using multi-tight-end sets with Pitts, Austin Hooper, and Charlie Woerner all on the field together. The 25-year-old has clear high-end TE1 upside, but if he stays in Atlanta, he could quickly disappoint fantasy managers again, especially with a potential shift to new quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Mar 31, 2026 10:48 AM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. Remains a Risky Tight End Option Despite 2025 Breakout
After years of underperforming his draft pedigree as the number four overall selection in 2021, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. showed signs of a mid-career breakout in 2025. Across 17 games, the 25-year-old hauled in 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns on 118 targets. The Falcons placed the franchise tag on Pitts Sr. earlier this offseason, meaning he will be back in Atlanta in 2026, barring a trade. It's worth noting that Pitts Sr.'s best stretch of production came late in the 2025 season with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins under center and star Falcons wideout Drake London battling a knee injury. Cousins is no longer with the team, and London should be back to full health in 2026. The Falcons will be relying on the quarterback combination of Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa, creating an unstable offensive environment around Pitts Sr. While Pitts Sr.'s 2025 production makes him an intriguing high-upside fantasy option, his profile still carries a significant amount of risk entering 2026.
Mar 26, 2026 6:59 AM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. a Trade Candidate?
CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported this week that NFL teams will be calling the Atlanta Falcons to make trade offers for tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., per The Athletic's Josh Kendall. "Whether or not they listen is another question," Kendall writes. He adds that new head coach Kevin Stefanski has sounded like he wants to coach Pitts this year, and he's the only real pass-catching TE on the roster. If the Falcons were to trade Pitts for a couple of mid-round draft picks, Kendall thinks they'd have to turn around and use the additional draft capital to take a rookie tight end in this year's NFL draft. The dynamic around trading Pitts could change if Atlanta is able to land a starting-caliber TE in free agency, such as David Njoku or Darren Waller. New general manager Ian Cunningham said recently the Falcons want another year to decide on whether Pitts is worth a long-term deal, which is why they placed the franchise tag on him. The former fourth overall pick broke out for 88 catches, 928 yards, and five touchdowns in 2025, but with potential issues at the QB position, Pitts could be a volatile TE1 in fantasy.
Mar 6, 2026 1:46 PM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. Expected to Play 2026 on the Franchise Tag
The Athletic's Josh Kendall writes that Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is expected to "play this season on the franchise tag," which Atlanta officially put on him on Tuesday. The Falcons can still attempt to sign Pitts to a long-term deal, "but that's not the vibe" the team is giving when it comes to the tight end. "I just felt (the franchise tag) was best to give us some time to evaluate," new general manager Ian Cunningham said. Pitts had 68 catches for 1,026 yards as a rookie in 2021, but then had three straight years where he averaged 542 receiving yards before bouncing back in 2025 with a career-high 88 receptions for 928 yards. The Falcons are basically telling the 25-year-old former fourth overall pick that he needs to do it again in 2026 before they seriously consider inking him to a long-term extension. Pitts certainly has the skills to be a high-end TE1 again in fantasy, but the quarterback situation might not do him any favors with Michael Penix Jr. coming off a serious knee injury and facing pressure to prove he's the franchise QB.
Feb 27, 2026 12:59 PM EST
Falcons Place Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
The Atlanta Falcons officially placed the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. on Tuesday, according to Tori McElhaney of AtlantaFalcons.com. It's just the fourth time in franchise history that the team has used the franchise tag, with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett the last recipient of the tag in 2019. Officially, the tag is a non-exclusive franchise tag, which means Pitts "is free to negotiate with other teams." It buys the Falcons and new general manager Ian Cunningham a little more time to evaluate what they want for the future of Pitts in Atlanta. The projected franchise tag value for TEs in 2026 is around $16 million. The 25-year-old played on a fifth-year option in 2025 and had one of his best seasons to date, finishing second among tight ends in catches (88) and receiving yards (928), and he tied his career high with five touchdowns. The former fourth overall pick was a top-five fantasy TE, but a repeat could be difficult in 2026 if Michael Penix Jr. (knee) isn't ready for the start of the regular season.
Feb 24, 2026 1:07 PM EST
Falcons Planning to Use Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
The Atlanta Falcons are planning to use the franchise tag on standout tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Pitts will receive a one-year, fully guaranteed deal worth more than $15 million in 2026 if the two sides don't come to a long-term contract extension before the deadline in July. The 25-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Florida finally came through for fantasy managers in 2025 in his fifth year in the league, finishing as the TE2 in half-PPR scoring with career-highs in catches (88), targets (118), and touchdowns (five) while recording 928 receiving yards in 17 games played. He will certainly be a TE1 in fantasy this fall, but there is still some volatility with Pitts, especially with quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s (knee) health in question. Pitts came on strong in the final six games in 2025, going for 39 receptions for 469 yards and four TDs during that stretch.
Feb 23, 2026 8:09 AM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. Likely to Remain in Atlanta in 2026
Atlanta Falcons impending free-agent tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. seems likely to remain in Atlanta in 2026, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Kendall believes the franchise tag for Pitts makes the most sense, which would mean Pitts would make a little more than $16.3 million in 2026. Placing the franchise tag on the 25-year-old would give new head coach Kevin Stefanski a year to evaluate Pitts with his own eyes. Pitts teased fantasy managers for years after his 1,000-yard rookie season in 2021, only to fall flat. The former first-rounder finally played up to his abilities in 2025, catching a career-high 88 passes on 118 targets for 928 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in 17 games played. He had at least six catches and 57 yards in five of the final six games. Although Atlanta's quarterback situation is up in the air with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) injured, Pitts' fantasy stock as a TE1 is on the rise going into 2026 if he stays with the Falcons.
Feb 10, 2026 1:52 PM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr.'s Future in Atlanta Remains Unclear Despite Encouraging 2025 Campaign
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. arguably had the best season of his career in 2025, recording 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns on 118 targets across 17 games played. The 25-year-old stepped up for Atlanta late in the season when star Falcons wideout Drake London missed time due to a knee injury and established a good rapport with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. However, heading into 2026, Pitts Sr.'s outlook is in flux. Pitts Sr. is set to hit unrestricted free agency, although Atlanta could look to keep him around via the franchise tag or with a new contract. If he remains with the Falcons, Pitts Sr. will have a new coaching staff around him and will no longer be catching passes from Cousins, who is expected to be released at some point this offseason. Pitts Sr. remains a highly talented player, and his 2025 output may be an indication that he's finally starting to put all the pieces together. However, his track record of inconsistency and uncertain future in Atlanta makes it difficult for fantasy managers to value him heading into 2026 and beyond.
Feb 5, 2026 11:51 AM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. Suiting Up Against Saints in Week 18
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity this week. Pitts has frequently appeared on the injury report this year, but he never ended up missing a game. He has officially been active for all 17 games for the third season in a row. Pitts has been playing at an elite level ever since Kirk Cousins took over at quarterback, and it has allowed him to rank as the overall TE2 in full-PPR leagues to this point. He'll look to cap off his strong second half of the season in a competitive game against the Saints on Sunday. As it stands, he ranks as a top-five fantasy tight end.
Jan 4, 2026 11:50 AM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. to Rebound Against Stingy Saints' Pass D?
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) carries excellent upside in Week 18 despite facing off with a solid New Orleans Saints defense at home. The fifth-year pro had been on a tear over the last month until his dud last weekend. In the four games prior, Pitts seemed unstoppable, averaging 23.6 PPR fantasy points per game. He was the TE1 across Weeks 13-16, and it wasn't really close. However, the former fourth-overall pick saw his production dip in Week 17 (2/16). While that may be due to a knee injury he picked up earlier in the week at practice, indeed, he doesn't carry the same upside with wide receiver Drake London (knee) back in the fold. If Pitts plays this weekend, fantasy managers will find it difficult to bench him, particularly with teammate Darnell Mooney (knee) also questionable for the contest. Whether Mooney is active or not, the 25-year-old's status should be monitored leading up to kickoff, considering his ranking as RotoBaller's PPR TE5.
Jan 4, 2026 1:30 AM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. Questionable for Sunday
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) is coming off a disappointing showing against the Rams, and he now carries a questionable designation into Sunday's season finale against the Saints. Pitts has been a limited practice participant all week, which has not been uncommon for him down the stretch, and head coach Raheem Morris is optimistic about his availability for Week 18. The Falcons have been eliminated from playoff contention, but they could indirectly determine the NFC South champion with a win, adding a level of motivation in a week when it can often be difficult to find. Fantasy managers still competing in Week 18 should feel comfortable starting Pitts against a Saints defense that has been middle-of-the-road at defending tight ends.
Jan 2, 2026 2:51 PM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. a High-End TE1 with Upside as Teammate Draws Questionable Tag
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. broke out over the last two weeks, combining for 18 catches on 21 targets that amounted to 223 yards and four touchdowns. He's now the second-highest scoring tight end in fantasy, and is arguably Kirk Cousins' favorite target since taking over for Michael Penix Jr. (knee). Drake London (knee) returned to action last week, but Pitts recorded more targets, catches, and yards than London as the team's No. 1 receiver played just 69 percent of the offensive snaps. London has been limited in practice all week and is officially questionable for MNF, while Pitts was a limited participant on Friday and Saturday, but carries no injury designation into the Week 17 contest. Assuming Pitts suits up, he'll take a Rams defense that is so-so defending tight ends, but it's also a defense that's yielded the second-most passing yards per game over their last three contests (277.7) and allowed Seattle's TE AJ Barner to catch four passes for 49 yards and a score in Week 16. The 6-foot-6 tight end projects as a high-end TE1 for Monday Night Football, and if London were to end up missing the game, it would be a boon to Pitts' potential target total.
Dec 27, 2025 4:20 PM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. Added to Injury Report, Limited on Friday
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) was added to the injury report after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. He'll have one opportunity to return to full capacity on Saturday before the Falcons announce Pitts' game status for Week 17. The Falcons play against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. This timing presents a difficult situation for fantasy managers. On one hand, Pitts has been a top tight end in fantasy football, scoring at least 15 full-PPR fantasy points in each of his last four games. On the other hand, if he is ruled out on Monday night, managers will have very few replacement options. Managers shouldn't panic yet, as Pitts could get back on track and avoid any sort of injury designation on Saturday. However, if he enters the weekend as questionable, managers should consider pivoting to a different tight end or at least adding one who plays on Monday night, like Colby Parkinson or Charlie Woerner. Managers in leagues with the auto-sub option could also consider taking advantage of that feature ahead of the weekend games. Pitts will rank as a mid-to-high TE1 if active.
Dec 26, 2025 7:49 PM EST
Can Kyle Pitts Sr. Make it Three Straight Games with a Touchdown?
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. continued his recent stretch of success in Sunday's 26-19 win over the Cardinals, hauling in seven of nine targets for 57 yards and a touchdown. It was the fourth straight game with at least eight targets and at least six catches, and the 25-year-old has quickly vaulted himself into the position of second-ranked tight end for fantasy this year after recording four touchdowns in the last two weeks alone (five on the season). The 6-foot-6 pass catcher was able to perform in Week 16 despite the return of Drake London (knee), who played just 69 percent of the team's offensive snaps. Pitts draws a home matchup against the Rams in what is most likely the championship round of the fantasy playoffs for most managers, a defense that is middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends, although the Seahawks' AJ Barner just registered a 4-49-1 line in Week 16 against Los Angeles. With a solid role in the Atlanta offense, Pitts will surely be a TE1 in Week 17.
Dec 23, 2025 1:49 PM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. Looks to Keep Rolling in Strong Week 16 Matchup
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) is coming off the best game of his career, recording 11 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns in the team's 29-28 win over Tampa Bay last week, now sitting with 73 catches and 797 yards for the year. The 25-year-old has had a consistent role in the offense for much of the season, but got a boost as the main beneficiary of Drake London's (knee) absence over the last four weeks. Pitts was a limited participant in practice during the week, and although London did not practice on Friday, both players are expected to suit up for Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals. It will be the first time Pitts, London, and Kirk Cousins will all be on the field together this season, so it will be interesting to see how the targets get divvied up. Still, the 6-foot-6 tight end looks like a top-five option this week against an Arizona defense that has yielded the seventh-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, including an 8-76-1 line for the Texans' Dalton Schultz just last week.
Dec 19, 2025 10:27 PM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. Added to Injury Report as Limited Participant
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) was added to the injury report after practicing in a limited capacity on Thursday. The "limited" tag could mean that Pitts simply took some reps off Thursday, or it could mean that he injured himself midway through and didn't return. Without any sort of official clarification from the team, managers will likely have to wait for the Falcons' injury report on Friday before getting any updates on his status. Atlanta will include injury designations on Friday's report, offering some more clarity on whether Pitts will be able to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. He's arguably the hottest player in fantasy football right now, coming off a career-best outing in which he caught 11 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Pitts is a strong mid-range TE1 option for this weekend, and he could jump to the high-end TE1 tier if Drake London (knee) is ruled out and he operates as Kirk Cousins' top target. Of course, Pitts now has his own injury to deal with, so managers should stay tuned for updates as kickoff gets closer.
Dec 18, 2025 8:15 PM EST
Kyle Pitts Sr. Looking to Continue Dominant Stretch
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. had a historic day in the Week 15 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting career highs in targets (12), catches (11), yards (166), and touchdowns (three). His 45.6 PPR points were the most by a tight end this century, narrowly edging out Shannon Sharpe's 45.4-point performance in Week 7 of the 2002 season. The No. 4 overall pick back in 2021 is taking full advantage of the boost in targets with receiver Drake London (knee) out of the lineup and is showing why he was the highest-drafted tight end ever with a game for the ages. With London practicing on Wednesday and trending positively to play on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, Pitts likely won't have this kind of nuclear performance again. However, the 25-year-old looked dominant against the Bucs and still profiles as a top-three tight end for the second round of the fantasy playoffs.
Dec 18, 2025 1:10 AM EST
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