2026 Could Force the Falcons to Choose Between Extensions and Their Former Pro Bowler
With what feels like every marquee running back and wide receiver getting bigger and more luxurious contracts, the Atlanta Falcons are next on the chopping block to retain their players. General Manager Ian Cunningham is already facing a tricky predicament regarding current tight end Kyle Pitts. While Pitts’ contract extension talks seem to have frozen for the time being, two other important pieces to the Falcons' offense look to make bank come next offseason. Despite placing the franchise tag on Pitts, those looming contract extensions may leave the former Pro Bowl tight end on the short end of the stick.
Drake London Continues to Prove His Value
Despite an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, stand-out wide receiver Drake London still finished his season just shy of the 1,000-yard mark despite only playing 12 games. Unlike the previous regime, London’s contract extension has been “on top of our minds,” according to Cunningham himself. Atlanta’s WR1 centerpiece has been nothing but productive for the Falcons' offense every year since he was drafted eighth overall in the 2022 draft. Each year, the former USC product only seemed to improve his game. The same can’t be said for Pitts, whose production has been up and down throughout his entire NFL career.
Bijan Robinson’s Extension Is a Top Priority
Another extension looming for the Falcons is All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson has been nothing but electric and a dynamic playmaker for Atlanta’s offense. Atlanta’s star running back has already etched himself as one of the top players in his position in only his third year of playing. Cunningham has called Robinson’s extension “one of our top priorities” come post-NFL draft. It would be in their best interest to get Robinson his extension before the eventual reset of the running back market, considering not only him but fellow standout Jahmyr Gibbs both hit the market during the same year. The good news is Cunningham still has about another season to give out Robinson’s contract extension.
Kyle Pitts Could Be the Odd Man Out
It’s more than likely that both Robinson and London will be inking new contract extensions in the coming months; Pitts has yet to match that same level of steady production. It’s the right business move, as Pitts has a lot more to prove compared to London and Robinson. With the Falcons’ former first-round tight end’s contract currently on the back burner, there’s a chance the former Florida prospect could walk next offseason or even be traded before or during the 2026 season. Cunningham has previously stated that the franchise tag “takes nothing off the table” in terms of Pitts’ future with the team. Come the 2027 offseason, Atlanta will have enough cap space to resign all three, but they still need to fill out the rest of their roster, which could still leave Pitts as the odd man out. Next season is now, or never if the former Florida standout wants Atlanta to be his home for the foreseeable future, and perhaps with new head coach Kevin Stefanski’s tight end-friendly system, he can thrive. As of right now, Pitts looks like he’s at the bottom of the Falcons’ totem pole while Cunningham and his team are in no rush to get a deal done.
