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Jun 23, 2026 Major4
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Falcons sign Kyle Pitts to record-setting $54 million extension
The Atlanta Falcons and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. have reached a three-year, $54 million contract extension, the largest three-year deal for a tight end in NFL history. The agreement includes $36 million guaranteed and secures Pitts through 2028, following a career-best season in which he recorded 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns.
Quick Facts
Who
Kyle Pitts Sr.
What
contract extension agreed
When
2026-06-23
Where
Atlanta
- contract extension agreed
- three-year, $54 million deal signed
- franchise tag replaced
- career-high 88 receptions recorded
- largest three-year tight end deal in NFL history
The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract extension with tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., making it the largest three-year deal for a tight end in NFL history. The agreement, announced Tuesday by Pitts' agency, Athletes First, replaces the franchise tag he signed earlier this offseason and keeps him with the Falcons through the 2028 season. The contract includes $36 million in fully guaranteed salary over the next two years.
Pitts, 25, entered the NFL as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 draft and delivered a career-best performance in 2025, recording 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns. He ranked second among tight ends in both catches and receiving yards. His standout season included a three-touchdown game in Atlanta's 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 11.
The extension is part of a broader effort by the Falcons to lock in their offensive core. Earlier this month, the team signed wide receiver Drake London to a four-year, $141 million contract. With both Pitts and London secured, the Falcons can now focus on extending star running back Bijan Robinson. The moves come as Atlanta prepares for training camp with quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. competing for the starting job.
Pitts' new deal carries an average annual value of $18 million, placing him third among the NFL's highest-paid tight ends behind San Francisco's George Kittle ($19.1 million) and Arizona's Trey McBride ($19 million). Head coach Kevin Stefanski has praised Pitts' work ethic and versatility, noting that the tight end's ability to line up in multiple positions makes him a valuable weapon for the offense. "The physical skill set is obvious when Kyle's on the field, with how big he is and how he moves," Stefanski said during OTAs. "But I've been impressed with what we're asking him to do."
Why This Matters
This extension cements Kyle Pitts as a core offensive weapon for the Falcons alongside wide receiver Drake London, signaling the team's commitment to building a high-powered offense. Fantasy football managers and NFL analysts should note Pitts' elite production potential, as his $18 million annual salary ranks third among tight ends, yet his age (25) and career trajectory suggest he could outperform his contract. The deal also pressures the Falcons to finalize Bijan Robinson's extension, which could create one of the most dangerous skill-position trios in the league.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2021
WireKyle Pitts selected fourth overall in NFL Draft by Atlanta Falcons
Jan 1, 2021
WirePitts drafted No. 8 overall by the Falcons.
Apr 29, 2021
WireKyle Pitts drafted No. 4 overall by Atlanta Falcons in NFL Draft
Jan 1, 2025
WirePitts has career-high 88 receptions, 928 yards, and five touchdowns.
Dec 11, 2025
WirePitts has 11-catch, 166-yard, 3-touchdown game in Falcons' 29-28 win at Tampa Bay
Dec 11, 2025
WirePitts records three-touchdown game in win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mar 1, 2026
WireFalcons sign Tua Tagovailoa to one-year deal
Mar 1, 2026
WireFalcons place franchise tag on Pitts ($15.045 million)
Jun 1, 2026
WireFalcons sign Drake London to a four-year, $141 million extension.
Jun 23, 2026
WirePitts signs 3-year, $54 million extension with $36 million guaranteed, largest three-year tight end deal in NFL history
Jun 23, 2026
WireFalcons and Pitts agree to 3-year, $54 million extension with $36 million guaranteed, replacing franchise tag
Jun 23, 2026
WireFalcons and Kyle Pitts agree to three-year, $54 million contract extension.
Jun 23, 2026
WireAP reports the deal as the largest three-year deal for a tight end in NFL history.
Jul 15, 2026
WireDeadline for Falcons and Pitts to reach extension under franchise tag rules
Entities
- San Francisco 49ers
- Trey McBride
- Flowery Branch, Ga.
- Ian Rapoport
- Atlanta Falcons
- ESPN
- Associated Press
- Athletes First
- Bijan Robinson
- Michael Penix Jr.
- Tampa Bay
- Atlanta
- Kyle Pitts Sr.
- Kirk Cousins
- NFL Network
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Drake London
- Kevin Stefanski
- Tua Tagovailoa
- Tommy Rees
- Adam Schefter
- Arizona Cardinals
- George Kittle
- franchise tag
- Cleveland Browns
- Flowery Branch, Georgia
Sources
- Falcons Pitts Contract 00417ebd9e864cf045aa12ead9d19d20apWireJun 23, 2026
- Falcons Pitts Contrato A17630fa041e2b945f3b2f08aa1fbf9bapWireJun 23, 2026
- Sources: Falcons, TE Kyle Pitts agree to 3-year, $54M dealESPNMediaJun 23, 2026
- Report: Atlanta Falcons agree to terms with Kyle Pitts on contract extensionAtlanta FalconsMediaJun 23, 2026