Cross Another Star Free Agent off the List for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings may or may not be in the market for a new tight end, depending on T.J. Hockenson’s contractual status, but if the franchise wanted to shoot for the stars with Hockenson’s replacement, Atlanta Falcons playmaker Kyle Pitts is no longer an option, at least not in 2026.
Pitts is off the board, so Minnesota’s tight end options tighten while Hockenson’s contract remains the pivot point.
The Falcons will franchise-tag Pitts, wiping him off the free-agent wire with two weeks to go before legal tampering.
What the Pitts Tag Means for Minnesota’s FA Tight End Plan
The best names always seem to return to their current employers.
ATL to Franchise-Tag Pitts
If you had big dreams of Pitts in purple and gold clothing, cancel those for at least one year.
ESPN’s Marc Raimondi wrote Monday, “The Atlanta Falcons plan to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., likely keeping one of the top tight ends in the league under contract for at least one more season, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Monday. Franchise tag contract numbers are based on the top five annual salaries at each position.”
“Pitts stands to make about $16,319,000 in 2026, the franchise tag salary this year for tight ends, according to OverTheCap.com. Pitts and the Falcons will have until July 15 to agree to a long-term contract or else he will have to play the 2026 season under the franchise tender. The deadline for teams to use the franchise or transition tag is next Tuesday with free agency beginning the week after.”
The wage is actually quite appealing for a tight end, so Pitts is unlikely to protest the arrangement, despite wanting a long-term contract.
Vikings May Not Have the Money for Pitts Anyway
Soon, Minnesota will be cap-compliant, but Monday, February 23rd, was not that day. The club must clear around $43 million in cap space by releasing veteran players or restructuring contracts just to get into the green. Before too long, you will see a flurry of tweets indicating that interim general manager Rob Brzezinski has cut players and restructured deals. They’re coming.
Still, the Vikings may not be in the market for big fish like Pitts. That was last year’s free agency, when the books were clear, and former boss Kwesi Adofo-Mensah chose to spend big on Wil Fries, Javon Hargrave, and Jonathan Allen.
To put it plainly, Brzezinski may not have had $16 million lying around for a luxury tight end.
FA Options at TE without Pitts
The franchise tag on Pitts suddenly makes the tight end market in free agency feel skinny. Per possible big-name breakouts, Isaiah Likely now leads the way, and after him, not too many players would seem like a serious upgrade over Hockenson.
Here’s the list, nevertheless:
- Austin Hooper
- Cade Otton
- Chig Okonkwo
- Dallas Goedert
- David Njoku
- Isaiah Likely
- Jake Tonges
- Kyle Granson
- Noah Fant
- Tyler Conklin
- Tyler Higbee
Likely isn’t an adept run- or pass-blocker, and it’s unclear if the Vikings would sign a player without that tool in his cabinet.
Too, the draft is about eight weeks away. There’s a world where Minnesota severs ties with Hockenson as a cap casualty and drafts Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, who is considered by leaps and bounds the best tight end in this class and the only one commanding Round 1 stock.
Hockenson’s Future
Brzezinski faces a crucial salary cap decision regarding Hockenson, whose contract ranks him among the highest-paid tight ends. Releasing Hockenson after June 1st would free up nearly $16 million, potentially enabling the Vikings to acquire multiple quality starters at other positions.
However, Hockenson’s role evolved in 2025 due to injuries on the offensive line and J.J. McCarthy’s pass distribution, resulting in increased blocking responsibilities. Consequently, Minnesota was essentially paying a premium for a tight end primarily utilized for blocking and run support.
Ultimately, the decision hinges more on the team’s overall construction strategy than on Hockenson’s individual performance. He remains a reliable veteran, and the Vikings could retain him, anticipating a greater role in the passing game as the offense returns to full strength.
Brzezinski must determine whether allocating those cap savings to other areas would be more beneficial or if retaining a high-priced tight end aligns with the long-term vision. The choice will significantly affect Minnesota’s offense in 2026 and beyond.
Minnesota also has three more tight ends in the 2026 roster orbit: Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew, and Ben Yurosek.
Pitts will trend for free agency again in 2027 if the Falcons cannot work out a long-term extension. He’s still just 25 years old.
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