The Atlanta Falcons are locking in their star tight end for the future. Kyle Pitts and the franchise agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract extension on Tuesday, June 23, according to Pitts' agency, Athletes First.

As per CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, out of the $54 million, a massive $36 million is fully guaranteed. The contract carries an $18 million average annual value, placing Pitts third among the highest-paid tight ends, behind George Kittle and Trey McBride.

Drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, Pitts’s acquisition was a bit controversial, as tight ends do not normally get taken that high. However, the Falcons knew what they were doing. He went on to have one of the greatest seasons ever for a rookie tight end.

The Falcons placed a $15 million franchise tag on him for the 2026 season, according to ESPN. With the paperwork now submitted, both parties have until July 15 to agree on a long-term contract. Pitts' contract extension follows Drake London’s massive $141 million extension earlier this month.

Speaking of his 2025 season, he had 88 catches for 928 yards. In five seasons with the Falcons, Pitts has 284 receptions for 3,579 yards and 15 scoring catches in 78 games.

Pitts made NFL history last season during a Week 14 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming the first tight end to tally at least 11 catches, 166receiving yards and three touchdowns in one game.

That said, is this a good decision to surrender that much capital for Pitts? Well, the coaches believe it is.

Kevin Stefanski expressed optimism over Kyle Pitts

Despite keeping trade options open, the Falcons ultimately signed Pitts to a contract extension. When first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about Pitts' performance, he sounded confident about his tight end.

“Kyle is working like crazy, takes coaching," Stefanski said, as per The Athletic. "Obviously, the physical skill set is obvious on the field. We’re asking him to do a couple of new things. As players continue in their careers, you want to find out, ‘What else is in there?’ Kyle’s been outstanding in that regard. He’s trying to be the best version of himself."

Pitts has contributed to the Falcons despite suffering a serious MCL injury during the 2022 season, which derailed his campaign.

He ranks fourth among NFL tight ends with 3,579 career receiving yards and is coming off an encouraging season.

That said, what are your thoughts on the recent extension? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar