Falcons Keep Kyle Pitts on Franchise Tag as Ravens Surface as Possible Trade Suitor

Overview

• ESPN insider Dan Graziano wrote Thursday that Pitts remains on a one-year franchise tag worth $15.045 million and could be shopped if Atlanta does not reach a long-term deal.
• The franchise tag preserves team control for 2026 but creates a firm July 15 window to convert the tag into an extension before Pitts must play on the one-year tender.
• Atlanta’s new regime under coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Ian Cunningham plans to assess Pitts in the retooled offense before committing long term.
• Graziano and other outlets flagged the Baltimore Ravens as a logical potential suitor after they lost Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency and value tight ends highly.
• Pitts enters 2026 coming off an 88-catch, 928-yard season and a history of uneven availability, so a strong start would raise his trade and extension value while early struggles could trigger midseason movement.