Updated Jan. 28, 2026, 1:31 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons have yet to hire a new general manager, but as soon as they do, their focus will shift to the team’s 2026 free agent class. Several key players, including tight end Kyle Pitts and linebacker Kaden Elliss, are on expiring contracts.
Pitts, the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 draft, is coming off the second-best season of his NFL career. In fact, you could argue that his 88-catch, 928-yard campaign was his best yet.
Despite posting over 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie, Pitts recorded a career-best five touchdowns in 2025. The 25-year-old still has a bright future, whether he returns to Atlanta or signs elsewhere.
Pitts joined Jordan Schultz and Draymond Green on a new episode of “Why is Draymond Green Talking About Football?” and was asked about the possibility of playing for new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski.
“That’d be dope in general as a room and just like for morale as an offensive piece — the tight end being one of the focal points in it,” said Pitts. “Not saying it wasn’t before, but it being like a higher, more-enhanced role. So that would be the cool part and, you know, to see what he’s done in the past is great. Talking to David [Njoku] — nothing but great things to say and I think that would be pretty cool.”
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Pitts is once again a hot commodity, but Falcons fans were ready to give up on him after failing to match his rookie production from 2022 to 2024. However, his bounce-back season in 2025 has made him one of the top free agents available and arguably the best tight end on the market.
NFL teams are always looking for talented tight ends, and Pitts is a physical specimen unlike many others at the position. Not only does he have game-breaking speed, but Pitts has cut down on drops. The fifth-year tight end was Atlanta’s only consistent target at times with Drake London battling injuries.
Pitts’ future has to be among the most pressing issues for the team’s eventual general manager. Check out the full list of Falcons free agents in 2026 below.
