Updated Feb. 2, 2026, 1:46 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons kicked off the 2026 NFL offseason by hiring a new head coach and general manager. The team brought in former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski to replace Raheem Morris, while former Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham was named as Terry Fontenot’s replacement.
Stefanski and Cunningham can now begin assembling the roster for 2026. Free agency starts in March followed by the 2026 NFL Draft in April. Since the Falcons have roughly $27.9 million available, according to Over The Cap’s projections, we don’t expect them to be a major player in free agency.
With several key free agents, including tight end Kyle Pitts, linebacker Kaden Elliss and defensive tackle David Onyemata, the team will have to spend its money wisely. Plus, the Falcons have no first-round pick in 2026. Atlanta traded it to the Rams last year to move up Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate James Pearce Jr.
In ESPN’s new 2026 NFL mock draft, the Falcons landed a potential replacement for Pitts in the second round, taking Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers with the 48th overall pick.
“With Kyle Pitts Sr. set to hit free agency, the Falcons could be looking for a new starting tight end,” wrote ESPN’s Matt Miller. “Stowers is a true F-tight end prospect with a game very similar to Harold Fannin Jr. from last year’s class.”
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Stowers would be an intriguing option if Pitts departs in free agency. The Vanderbilt standout finished the 2025 season with 62 catches for 769 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 235-point tight end is ranked as the 44th overall prospect on Pro Football Focus‘ 2026 big board.
Pitts leaving would create a big hole in Atlanta’s offense. The fifth-year tight end had the second-best season of his NFL career in 2025, finishing with 88 receptions for 928 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
In a recent interview, Pitts sounded optimistic 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.”
The 2026 NFL Draft starts on April 23 before concluding on April 25. This year’s draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
