Falcons secure offensive core, extend Kyle Pitts through 2029

Falcons secure offensive core, extend Kyle Pitts through 2029 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Falcons have made it clear that tight end Kyle Pitts remains a cornerstone of their future, agreeing to a three-year, $54 million contract extension that keeps the former first-round pick in Atlanta for years to come.

According to Pitts’ agency, the deal carries an average annual value of $18 million, making him the third-highest-paid tight end in the NFL behind George Kittle ($19.1 million annually) and Trey McBride ($19 million annually).

The extension comes five years after the Falcons selected Pitts with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted tight end in league history. While questions about his long-term future surfaced earlier this offseason, Atlanta ultimately chose to invest heavily in one of its most dynamic offensive playmakers.

Pitts is coming off one of the best seasons of his NFL career. He finished the 2025 season with career highs in receptions (88) and targets (118) while totaling 928 receiving yards and five touchdowns across 17 games. His 88 catches ranked 10th among NFL players, and his 928 receiving yards led all Falcons pass catchers.

The 25-year-old also became just the second tight end in franchise history to lead Atlanta in receiving yards in multiple seasons, joining former Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler. Pitts previously surpassed 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie in 2021 and rebounded in 2025 after several injury-affected seasons.

Atlanta’s decision to extend Pitts continues a trend of locking up its young offensive stars. Earlier this offseason, the Falcons signed wide receiver Drake London to a lucrative long-term extension, signaling the organization’s commitment to building around its core playmakers.

With Pitts, London, running back Bijan Robinson, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. forming the nucleus of the offense, the Falcons believe they have the foundation necessary to compete in the NFC for years to come.

Now, after years of speculation surrounding his future, Pitts has both the financial security and organizational backing to continue establishing himself among the NFL’s elite tight ends.