The Atlanta Falcons are just a week away from the start of a 2026 season which fans hope lays the foundation for a whole lot more winning than the last decade.
Kevin Stefanski inherits a roster that has consistently fallen short over the last couple of years, and this current core is talented enough to be in the postseason. Given the advantages of the roster as it relates to what a new head coach is normally working with, it's not crazy at all to think this team can compete for a playoff spot .
If that's going to happen though, Atlanta's stars are going to have to be just that, something which can often be easier said than done. There may be no individual player who needs to step up more to elevate this team's ceiling though than now sixth-year tight end Kyle Pitts.
After being paid this offseason, Pitts having a great year -- or a not so great year -- has the potential to alter what this team is capable of.
Pitts came into the league expected to revolutionize the tight end position, a weight which perhaps might not ever have been fair. While he has not done that, he did have strong enough a year in 2025 for the new regime to express confidence in him and extend his contract.
Now paid like one of the top tight ends in the league, Pitts will have to produce like one. He should be the quarterback's security blanket and a guy who can consistently move the chains and get into the end zone for this offense.
On a unit which has serious question marks behind Drake London at wide receiver, Pitts being able to become a major pass catching threat on a consistent basis rather than just in flashes would be huge.
Fair or not, it's up to Pitts to make up for this team's lack of wide receiver depth and join London -- not to mention Bijan Robinson -- as the team's top weapons through the air.
If Pitts does indeed have a full-on breakout type season, it could be the biggest leap forward the offense could possibly make. If he cannot though, it may limit what the unit is capable of in 2026 without another dynamic playmaker next to London at wide receiver.
Fans are excited to watch Pitts this year, but it's time for him to take another leap.
