Kyle Pitts lands $54 million Falcons extension after long-awaited breakout

Kyle Pitts won’t be leaving Atlanta anytime soon.

Pitts and the Falcons are in agreement on a three-year, $54 million extension with $36 million guaranteed that’ll keep the tight end in Atlanta until at least 2028, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The 2021 first-round pick now becomes the third-highest paid tight end in the NFL, behind the 49ers George Kittle ($19.1 million) and Cardinals Trey McBride ($19 million).

The Falcons and Pitts had until July 15 to agree on an extension since the 25-year-old was initially going to play on the franchise tag for 2026, but that won’t be the case anymore.

Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts works out during practice on June 8, 2026. AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Pitts came into the draft as one of the most highly touted tight end prospects in NFL history due to his versatility, but the Falcons taking him at No. 4 was still seen as a controversial pick, as tight ends don’t get selected that high often.

The former Florida star made an immediate impact with the Falcons in 2021, posting 1,026 receiving yards while anchoring an otherwise mediocre offense. Pitts was a candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but fell short to Ja’Marr Chase.

The Philadelphia native battled injuries and shaky quarterback play from 2022-24, failing to reach 700 yards in any of those three seasons, but bounced back in 2025.

Despite the Falcons missing the playoffs for the eighth straight season, Pitts was second in the NFL among tight ends with 88 receptions and 928 receiving yards, forming a dynamic offensive trio with Drake London and Bijan Robinson.

Even with his inconsistency and injuries, Pitts’ 3,579 receiving yards since 2021 rank fourth among tight ends, behind just Kittle, Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews.

The Falcons new regime — headlined by head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Ian Cunningham — is doing its part to ensure either Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa is well supported this fall.

Kyle Pitts runs with the ball after a catch during a practice on June 3, 2022. AP

On June 2, the Falcons inked London to a four-year, $141 million extension, keeping another star in the fold for the foreseeable future.

With the second-longest playoff drought in football behind just the Jets, the Falcons begin their season Sept. 13 at the Steelers.