The Atlanta Falcons have likely franchise tagged their star tight end. This would allow them to retain a key player and ensure they don’t lose him as a free agent.

Kyle Pitts was selected fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Last season, he had the best season of his young NFL career.

He caught a total of 88 passes for 928 yards and five touchdowns. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, this prompted the Falcons to franchise tag him.

When the new season officially begins next month, the tight end would have been a free agent. With the tag, Pitts is now tied to the franchise until the end of the upcoming season.

Rapoport reports an expected salary of over $15 million per season.