To not much of a surprise, the Atlanta Falcons are planning to tag top free agent prospect Kyle Pitts this offseason after having a resurgent 2025 campaign. Bleacher Report said the Falcons may use their franchise tag on generational athlete, Pitts, to ensure he stays on the roster for the upcoming 2026 regular season. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that there’s “momentum” that the Falcons haven’t made a firm decision on Pitts, but it looks like a franchise tag could be what will happen come next month in time for free agency. Still, many should be aware that there is a possibility that the Falcons still could trade him if there’s a right deal for Pitts.
Falcons May “Tag and Trade” Top All-Pro Weapon Kyle Pitts – 4 Trade Suitors Emerge
If the Falcons plan to keep Pitts for the 2026 campaign, the team probably wants to ensure his breakout season wasn’t a fluke. Despite having a standout rookie season a couple of seasons ago, the tight end lagged in getting anything going for the next three seasons as a full-time starter. Pitts entered a contract year last season and decided to impress, finishing 2025 with 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns. This gives new head coach Kevin Stefanski and the offense time to get acclimated to see how Pitts fits into the new mold.
Still, Pitts is entering a pivotal point in his career. Even if he stays with the Falcons and the team is still having growing pains as a new offense, the tight end could request a trade. If the Falcons want to get the best investment in Pitts now, they should probably dangle him on the trade block before the 2026 regular season.
Potential Trade Fits
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are anticipated to move on without Zach Ertz for the immediate future after sustaining a gruesome ACL injury this past 2025 season. Ben Sinnott hasn’t convinced the Commanders that he’s a long-term fixture, and with the team having enough cap space, Pitts stepping in for Washington makes perfect sense. It gives Jayden Daniels a big-bodied receiver and one who could create room for Jacory Croskey-Merritt to run all over the place.
Kansas City Chiefs
However, the Chiefs are a team to watch for Pitts. Veteran tight end Travis Kelce hasn’t announced whether or not he’s returning, but he’s trending towards coming back for one more season. Either way, the Chiefs have a tight end issue. It doesn’t mean that Noah Gray can’t turn into the next big thing in Kansas City, but when they have Pitts in front of them, the Chiefs should make a run for him in a potential trade if he gets tagged to prove he’s serious as another pass-catcher for Patrick Mahomes.
Los Angeles Rams
With Tyler Higbee set to become an unrestricted free agent, the Los Angeles Rams could use some star power on offense after missing the Super Bowl. Davante Adams and Puka Nacua are the biggest weapons for Matthew Stafford, but if they get Pitts in the mix, this team could become special. Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson are still solid, but given Pitts’ size and athleticism, it’s something that Stafford could lean on to help them punch a ticket to another Lombardi trophy.
Baltimore Ravens
Isaiah Likely is probably leaving the Ravens for a new team this free agency. While they still have Mark Andrews on the starting roster, they’re going to need to find a reliable backup. Pitts is no backup given his level of play, but he might be solid enough to be the long-term starter in Baltimore. Andrews and Pitts could battle for the starting role despite extending Andrews to a new contract.