Chiefs and Broncos Both Linked to Kyle Pitts as Falcons Face Franchise Tag Dilemma

Atlanta put the franchise tag on Kyle Pitts. That might have made him easier to trade, not harder to keep.

The $15 million tag locks Pitts in for 2026 but signals no long-term commitment — and both the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos are watching. CBS Sports floated a proposal that would send a first-round pick to Atlanta for the 25-year-old All-Pro tight end. The Chiefs, planning life after Travis Kelce, have obvious need. The Broncos, familiar with Pitts from AFC West scouting, also fit the profile.

For Atlanta, the logic cuts both ways. Trading Pitts clears $15 million in cap space and gets them a first-round pick they don’t currently own. But they’d be moving on from one of the most talented tight ends in football.

928 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season. He is very much worth a first-round pick.