Potential Patriots target gets franchise tag ahead of NFL free agency

FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 of the Atlanta Falcons caught by Robert Spillane #14 of the New England Patriots during a game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons on November 2, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

With only one established option under contract for 2026, tight end is a serious if somewhat under-recognized need for the New England Patriots this offseason. The team making a splash at the position in free agency therefore would not come as a surprise, but one of the top options available won't make it to the open market.

Former first-round draft pick Kyle Pitts, who had the best season of his career in 2025, is expected to receive the franchise tag from the Atlanta Falcons. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was first to report the news.

Pitts would have been the marquee name in this year's tight end free agency class. An outstanding athlete who despite subpar quarterback play has managed to catch 284 passes for 3,579 yards and 15 touchdowns in his five-year NFL career so far, his ceiling remains high as a multi-purpose offensive weapon. The Falcons seemingly agree with that assessment, keeping the 25-year-old on what will be a fully-guaranteed one-year deal.

With Pitts off the market, the remaining top options at the tight end position include the likes of Cade Otton (Buccaneers), Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar (Ravens), and Chigoziem Okonkwo (Titans). Noah Fant (Bengals), David Njoku (Browns), and Dallas Goedert (Eagles) are furthermore out of contract.

The Patriots, meanwhile, have one tight end headed for free agency. Veteran Austin Hooper, who originally arrived in Foxborough in 2024, is set to enter unrestricted free agency once it opens on March 11.

While Hooper's future is uncertain, the Patriots currently have three tight ends signed for 2026. Besides team captain Hunter Henry, they also have C.J. Dippre and Marshall Lang under contract.