Kyle Pitts' Absence at Falcons OTAs Reportedly Due to Foot Injury, Not Contract

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts missed the start of organized team activities because of a "foot issue," according to NFL insider James Palmer.

Palmer reported Pitts isn't trying to send any message about his contract as he's one year out from free agency. The 2021 Pro Bowler will make $10.9 million for the 2025 season after the Falcons triggered their club option.

Pitts watched the Arizona Cardinals' Trey McBride and San Francisco 49ers' George Kittle both reset the tight end market this offseason. McBride penned a four-year extension worth $19 million annually before Kittle narrowly eclipsed him with a four-year deal that averages $19.1 million a season.

There's simply no way Pitts or his agents could realistically hope to top that. In the three years after his promising rookie campaign, he has 128 receptions for 1,625 yards and nine touchdowns.

And for as much as football players are incentivized to get what they can as soon as possible, playing out his rookie contract and becoming a free agent might be the best path for the 24-year-old. Cracking 1,000 receiving yards again could put him in line for a healthy payday.

Over the Cap projects the franchise tag to be worth $16 million in 2026. Perhaps that's the starting point with the Falcons or another team on a multiyear agreement if his production takes a big enough jump.

Re-signing with the Falcons now would almost certainly mean settling for well below the value of the 2026 franchise tender.