Tight end Kyle Pitts is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and early reports indicate the Atlanta Falcons do not plan on extending him. Famously selected one pick before wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, the Florida product began his career with an impressive 68-catch, 1,026-yard rookie season. However, he has never recaptured that form, flashing moments of greatness but largely looking nothing like the player who justified a top-four pick just four years ago.
According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, there are “no whispers” of the Falcons and Pitts working on a new contract. This isn’t too surprising, as Pitts hasn’t played his best under the new coaching staff. Pitts may not ever live up to his draft capital, but he’s still a perennial 600-yard threat, which is rare at the tight end position. If the Falcons don’t see Kyle Pitts as a long-term fixture in their offense, they could trade him to a team that believes in his untapped potential.
Falcons Won’t Extend Kyle Pitts; Trade Possible
Potential Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs will never truly replace Travis Kelce, but they need to start thinking about who be next to inherit his role. While Noah Gray has had his moments over the years, Patrick Mahomes and company need a more reliable option to serve as a key point of this passing attack. Rashee Rice will be the featured target for the foreseeable future (barring a suspension), but a Kyle Pitts trade could give Mahomes a second or third option with some untapped potential.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have been chasing the success of the 2011 and 2012 two-tight-end offense for over a decade now. While Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are gone, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is back for a third run with New England, and he’ll bring his tight end scheme with him. Back in 2021, he tried to recreate the old magic by uniting rookie quarterback Mac Jones with free agent signees Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Henry is still in town, and while he is on the older side, he’s still a reliable set of hands. Adding Kyle Pitts via trade will give New England its best tight end room in quite some time and could make life easier for franchise quarterback Drake Maye.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have arguably the league’s weakest group of tight ends. Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin are both unremarkable veterans, and Justin Herbert could use someone with more upside in this passing attack. Kyle Pitts may not be the safest bet, but the Falcons tight end offers plenty of promise. Head coach Jim Harbaugh excels at getting the most out of his players, so perhaps a change of scenery could have Pitts looking like his dominant Florida self.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images
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