Potential 49ers free agency target off table after $16.3 million deal

The San Francisco 49ers might have been able to kill two birds with one stone by adding a big-time offensive playmaker who could also fill in for George Kittle during his injury absence. Now that option is off the table.

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport on Monday reported the Atlanta Falcons are set to place a franchise tag on 25-year-old tight end Kyle Pitts. The club and their former No. 4 overall pick will work toward a long-term extension per Rapoport.

A franchise tag for a TE is a one-year, fully-guaranteed $16.3 million for 2026 according to Over the Cap.

It's unclear exactly how much the 49ers would have pushed for the player who went one spot behind quarterback Trey Lance in the 2021 draft. However, the fit made sense given Pitts' breakout campaign for Atlanta this season. He racked up a career-high 88 catches for 928 yards and a career-best five touchdown receptions.

Pitts would've been able to pick up some of the playmaking slack while Kittle is sidelined by an Achilles injury, but his versatility would've allowed him to also play alongside Kittle.

There's still a chance Pitts is traded, in which case the 49ers would conceivably be in play. On the other hand, the idea of the 49ers spending draft capital to acquire and pay a tight end is farfetched.

Atlanta has until July 15 to work out a long-term deal with Pitts. If they can't come to an agreement, Pitts can either be traded or play out the 2026 campaign on his $16.3 million tag.

Pitts in five seasons has 284 receptions for 3,579 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was a Pro Bowler as a rookie when he hung up 1,026 yards. In 2025 his career year earned him a Second-Team All-Pro spot.

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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL free agency: 49ers target Kyle Pitts franchise tagged by Falcons