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TE Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons.
The Atlanta Falcons could have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL once the 2026 season kicks off in September — at least that’s what new head coach Kevin Stefanski seems to believe.
During his introductory press conference, the former Cleveland Browns head coach explained why he chose Atlanta for his next job.
“I’m here because I believe in this group, I believe in this roster,” Stefanski said, via ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. “We’re not going to spend much time talking about what we’re going to do. We’re going to put our heads down and work.”
Stefanski, a former offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings, will inherit a roster that includes Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback, along with playmakers like Bijan Robinson and Drake London.
But if the Falcons choose, Stefanski could also be working with former first-round tight end Kyle Pitts.
In 2025, Pitts was playing on a club option from his rookie contract he signed in 2021. He is set to enter the 2026 offseason as a unrestricted free agent with a market value of $10.8 annually (four-years, $43.3 million), leaving the Falcons with a major decision on whether to bring him back long term.
More Falcons on Heavy: Kyle Pitts Makes Thoughts on Falcons Hiring Kevin Stefanski Extremely Clear
Kyle Pitts Predicted to Not Re-Sign With Falcons
Pitts’ career has been a roller coaster since he arrived in Atlanta. He flashed early, earning Pro Bowl honors as a rookie, but production hasn’t matched the expectations that come with being drafted so high.
Through five NFL seasons, Pitts has scored just 15 touchdowns.
He did show signs of a bounce-back year in 2025, finishing with 928 receiving yards and a career-high five touchdowns. Still, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes that won’t be enough for Atlanta to keep him, predicting Pitts will wind up with the Miami Dolphins.
“After shipping off Jonnu Smith before the 2025 season kicked off, the Dolphins failed to generate reliable pass-catching production from their tight end spot,” Kay wrote.
“Neither Greg Dulcich nor Darren Waller stood out while splitting time as Miami’s primary receiving TE and the team now desperately needs to fill that hole this offseason.”
Miami will also have a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, who will be tasked with reshaping the offense — including figuring out who will be playing quarterback.
“Regardless of whether Tua Tagovailoa, Quinn Ewers or someone else ends up starting under center for Miami in 2026, Pitts should emerge as a favored target thanks to his excellent playmaking skills and ability to create mismatches all over the field,” Kay added.
Kevin Stefanski Speaks on Kyle Pitts
When asked about Pitts and the Falcons’ plans for him, Stefanski didn’t give away much.
“We’ll talk at length more about that when it comes to those types of roster conversations,” Stefanski said, per Terrin Waack.
If Atlanta does decide to keep Pitts, he could benefit under Stefanski’s offense. When asked if he was a “tight end whisperer,” Stefanski pushed back slightly but made it clear how much he values the position.
“I wouldn’t say whisperer. I’ll say aficionado,” Stefanski said. “I love the position because of the versatility that it provides the offense.”
Stefanski helped get strong production out of David Njoku during his time in Cleveland. Over the last six seasons, Njoku totaled 272 receptions for 2,783 yards and 23 touchdowns in 69 games.
Falcons fans are hoping a similar leap could happen for Pitts — if the team decides to bring him back.
Shane Shoemaker Shane Shoemaker is a sports journalist covering college football and the NFL for Heavy.com. His work has also appeared in The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, USA TODAY, and ClutchPoints, along with high school sports coverage for the Marion Tribune. More about Shane Shoemaker
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