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Atlanta Falcons sign Kyle Pitts to record extension

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Atlanta, United States – The Atlanta Falcons have signed tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. to a three-year, $54 million contract extension agreed on June 23, 2026, securing the fifth-year player under contract through the 2028 NFL season. The agreement, announced by his representatives at Athletes First in a social media post, is described by the agency as the largest three-year deal for a tight end in National Football League history. The contract includes $36 million in fully guaranteed salary over the next two seasons, and its $18 million average annual value places Pitts third among the league’s highest-paid tight ends, behind George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers and Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals. The extension replaces the non-exclusive franchise tag the Falcons placed on Pitts on February 24, 2026, which would have paid him $15.045 million for the 2026 season. Instead of playing on the tag, Pitts will receive the guaranteed money built into the new deal, finalized ahead of the July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term contracts. Pitts, 25, was selected by Atlanta with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted tight end in modern NFL history. He recorded 1,026 receiving yards as a rookie in 2021, becoming only the second rookie tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards after Mike Ditka achieved the mark in 1961.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2021 Pitts drafted fourth overall by Falcons
2021 Pitts records 1,026 rookie receiving yards
1961 Mike Ditka first rookie tight end milestone
Feb 24 2026 Falcons apply non-exclusive franchise tag
June 23 2026 Three-year, $54 million extension agreed
June 23 2026 Athletes First announces deal publicly
2026 Extension replaces $15.045 million franchise tender
2028 New contract set to run through season

Why This Matters to You

This record deal for Kyle Pitts Sr. shows the value NFL teams place on top-performing tight ends. If you're a Falcons fan, you're likely thrilled to see Pitts locked in until 2028. If you're a young athlete, Pitts' success might inspire you to work on your game.

The Bottom Line

Kyle Pitts Sr.'s record-breaking contract extension is a big win for him and the Falcons. It's a testament to his talent and the team's faith in his future performance. Worth forwarding if you know a budding football player who could use some inspiration.