(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

The Atlanta Falcons officially placed the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts on Tuesday, following multiple reports from one day earlier.

Pitts, 25, was set to be a free agent after playing out his fifth-year option in 2025, but now he will be paid approximately $16.5 million for the 2026 season, an average of the top five salaries at his position.

'We're not in the business of letting go (of) really good players,' the Falcons' new general manager Ian Cunningham told 92.9 The Game on Tuesday morning, per the team's website.

NFL Network reported that the two sides will attempt to work out a long-term deal that will eliminate the need for Pitts to play the upcoming season under the tag. They have until July 15 to come to those terms.

Per the team, it's just the fourth time in franchise history the Falcons have used the franchise tag, with Pitts following punter Michael Koenen (2009), defensive back Brent Grimes (2012) and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (2019). Teams have until March 3 to make franchise tag decisions for the 2026 season.

Pitts was voted to the All-Pro second team in 2025, when he recorded career highs of 88 receptions, 118 targets and five touchdowns while totaling 928 yards.

The new coaching staff helmed by Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will retain Pitts as a primary receiving option alongside receiver Drake London. Pitts has played for two different head coaches, two offensive coordinators and a variety of quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins last season.

For his career, Pitts has 284 receptions on 451 targets for 3,579 yards and 15 TDs in 78 games (72 starts) since 2021, when Atlanta drafted him with the fourth overall pick.

Pitts made the 2021 All-Rookie team and was selected to the Pro Bowl that season -- his only 1,000-yard campaign.

--Field Level Media