Who Should I Start? Kyle Pitts Sr. or Justin Fields

Friday, February 27, 12:59 PM

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.

Tuesday, February 17, 11:13 AM

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt believes that the New York Jets could release quarterback Justin Fields this offseason. The Jets are going to land in the range of $70 million to $80 million in salary cap space in 2026 without cutting anyone, and they don't have a ton of options for cap savings. Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal in free agency ($30 million guaranteed) last year, but he was a disaster in 2025 and was eventually benched in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor. It's unlikely that a team will want to trade for the 26-year-old. If they outright cut him, they'll incur a $22 million dead-cap hit and only $1 million in savings. If they designate him as a post-June 1, they can spread the cap hit out over two years and save $10 million. Rosenblatt believes the Jets will outright cut Fields since they aren't lacking in cap space. The former 11th overall pick has elite rushing upside, but he just has not improved as a passer. Fields could compete for a starting gig elsewhere, but nothing will be guaranteed going into 2026.