Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has not lived up to his pre-draft hype, and one report indicates the team could trade him in the offseason. Selected with the fourth-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts was supposed to be one of the greatest tight end prospects in NFL history. He played up to his billing as a rookie, recording 1,026 yards and one touchdown in 17 games, but he’s never come close to recapturing that magic. Plagued by drops and inconsistent effort, the Falcons might be done with the player they chose over Ja’Marr Chase.
Prior to 2024, one could blame Pitts’ lack of production on former head coach Arthur Smith. Infamous for overlooking his highly-drafted players, analysts across the league believed Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson could break out under Atlanta’s new regime. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, as the tight end finished 2024 with just 47 receptions for 602 yards and four touchdowns. Now, Bleacher Report‘s James Palmer believes the Falcons will try and trade Kyle Pitts during the offseason.
Even though Kyle Pitts hasn’t met Atlanta’s expectations, some team will probably try and take a risk on him. After all, he was a consensus top-five pick for a reason, and his rookie season showed what he can do when everything goes right. While the Falcons probably won’t get anything more than a third-round pick for his services, the Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, and Carolina Panthers could be the best fits.
Report: Falcons Could Trade Kyle Pitts In the Offseason
The Los Angeles Chargers need more weapons to support star quarterback Justin Herbert properly. While the team earned a playoff spot in 2023, their poor weapons prevented them from going on a deep playoff run. Justin Herbert didn’t have his best game against Houston, but he wasn’t nearly as bad as his box score would suggest. While second-round pick Ladd McConkey looks like a star in the making, the Chargers need another starting-caliber pass-catcher.
While the team will probably target a wide receiver like Tee Higgins in free agency, Los Angeles should improve the tight end room. Will Dissly was the only consistent player at the position last year, and he’s nothing more than a replacement-level journeyman. Perhaps Kyle Pitts never plays up to his potential, but the trade candidate could be a high-upside option for a team that desperately needs weapons to compete in a crowded AFC West.
Other Fits
The New England Patriots need help at every position outside of quarterback. While the offensive line will be the primary focus, someone must catch passes from Pro Bowler Drake Maye. Hunter Henry is a fine veteran, but the former second-round pick isn’t getting any younger and doesn’t give the team much upside. With Austin Hooper set to depart in free agency, the Patriots could shoot for the stars and try to capture some magic with a Kyle Pitts trade.
The Atlanta Falcons probably don’t want to trade Kyle Pitts to a division rival, but the tight end might not have a bustling market. If the Panthers are making the best offer, the Falcons could swallow their pride and face off against the Florida product twice a year. Fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders showed promise as a rookie, but he shouldn’t be the sole option in this passing attack. Pitts could provide some stability to the position and offers a tremendous amount of upside.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke – USA Today Sports
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