The Atlanta Falcons have a new head coach and an entirely new front office.
One of the biggest decisions they'll have to make now is on Kyle Pitts' free agency.
The talented tight end, a first-round pick in 2021, has played five seasons for Atlanta -- a great rookie year, three middling seasons, and a revitalized 2025.
Now, he's the unquestioned top tight end available in the free agent market, which makes for interesting contract potential.
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The Falcons have to decide whether they have interest in franchise tagging him, or giving him a longer-term deal, or doing nothing at all and letting him go elsewhere.
NFL.com's Marc Ross broke down Pitts' situation in a new article on Saturday. He thinks Pitts is worth paying for.
"Pitts was the best tight end prospect I'd ever seen when he entered the draft in 2021, and he enjoyed a solid rookie campaign before underwhelming the next three seasons," Ross writes. "That's why it was great to see him finally get back on track in 2025, hauling in 88 balls for 928 yards and five touchdowns. His production wasn't necessarily off the charts, but he played a huge role in Atlanta's offense, with Drake London in and out of the lineup in the second half of the season. For proof, look at his 11-catch, 166-yard, three-TD performance in Week 15. Pitts might be risky because of the inconsistency, but his upside is worth the investment."
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It is quite interesting to think about the idea of paying for upside of a player who has already been in the NFL for five seasons, but that's the nature of Pitts.
He's a great athlete who can have these occasional big days. Whoever gets him, Atlanta or otherwise, will be hoping he can continue to have those special performances, just maybe a bit more often.
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