Under new GM Ian Cunningham, the Falcons signed Kyle Pitts to a three-year, $54M extension. After the franchise tag in 2025, Pitts’ back was against the wall. His options? Ball out and get paid, or remain mediocre and tank his value. 

 

Pitts chose option one. With career-high receptions (88) and TDs (5), Pitts earned second-team All-Pro honors. He was also second to only Trey McBride in receiving yards (928). In an historic Week 15 game against Tampa Bay, Pitts flashed his ability to take over. He put up 166 yards and three TDs, willing the Birds to a 29-28 victory. This monster performance catapulted Pitts directly into the most-dominant player in the league conversation. His Week 16 was the proof of concept Cunningham needed to sign him long-term.

 

In what has been an offseason of change, the Falcons are scrambling to secure their most valuable pieces from the old regime. Drake London made headlines in early July, signing a four-year $141M extension. Despite turmoil at QB, London has developed into a premier possession receiver and elite red-zone threat, the first of three obvious extensions. With Pitts locked in, the obvious next move is to partner with Bijan Robinson for the foreseeable future. 

 

Totaling more than 3,000 yards and 21 TDs on the ground over the last two seasons, Bijan Robinson is the tried-and-true engine for Atlanta. He makes Atlanta’s offense go. Factor in his 1,200 receiving yards over the same period, and you can start to see the horn sticking out of his head. A true unicorn at the position, Robinson is the undisputed best back in the game. Despite growing reluctance to pay ball-carriers, Robinson’s raw game-changing ability can’t be overlooked. Entering his fourth year, it will be a priority to secure Robinson’s future in the ATL.

 

The extensions make London and Pitts each the third-highest paid players at their positions, and Robinson’s deal will reset the market, making him the highest-paid back in history. Atlanta can afford to do this largely because they offloaded Kirk Cousins’ contract and absorbed the immediate dead cap hit, clearing space in the future to pay their playmakers. With Miami paying Tua Tagovailoa $54M, Atlanta acquired his services for the veteran minimum ($1.3M). These moves at QB, paired with savvy veteran contract restructuring, give the Falcons the flexibility they need to retain key playmakers.

 

Former Minnesota Vikings Offensive Coordinator Kevin Stefanski and the front office have orchestrated the perfect landing spot for a franchise QB. The backdrop is eerily similar to what’s played out in the Frozen North, with JJ McCarthy fighting for the starting job with transplant veteran Kyler Murray. Like McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr. is entering the third year of his rookie contract. Both QBs’ first two years in the league have seen major ups and downs: flashes of elite potential marred by stretches of poor decisions and injuries. Alongside Penix Jr. in the QB room is former Fins passer and Crimson Tide Great Tua Tagovailoa. During his time in Miami, Tagovailoa proved he could be as elite as any, leading the League in yards in 2023 (4,624) and passer rating in 2022 (105.5). However, what has ultimately defined his career were injuries and consistency issues in the postseason. Signed to a one-year prove-it deal, Tua has a real opportunity for a fresh start in Atlanta. Although brought in to provide competition for Penix Jr., Tua has the same right to earn the long-term starting job in Atlanta.

 

With the moves to lock up London, Pitts, and soon Robinson, Penix Jr. and Tagovailoa have no tangible excuses left. These are highly talented players with bona fide superstars to help them out and a two-time Coach of the Year to put it all together. On paper, this is a championship contender. What’s left now is to see who earns the right to lead in 2026.