Kyle Pitts Trade Watch: Falcons Tight End Drawing Interest Ahead of 2025 Season

By Jason Bolton June 08, 2025 12:40

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has become a focal point of trade speculation. Selected fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts entered the league with sky-high expectations due to his rare blend of size, speed, and receiving skills. While the Falcons have not actively sought to trade him, multiple teams have reached out with inquiries, signaling growing interest in acquiring the 24-year-old star.

Early Promise and Recent Struggles

Pitts burst onto the scene with a standout rookie season, earning a Pro Bowl nod after hauling in 68 receptions for 1,068 yards and seven touchdowns in 2021. This performance validated his "unicorn" label a tight end with the agility of a wide receiver and the size to dominate mismatches. However, his production has since declined amid injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and offensive scheme challenges.

His statistics over the past three seasons illustrate this downturn:

2022: 28 receptions, 356 yards, 3 touchdowns
2023: 53 receptions, 667 yards, 4 touchdowns
2024: 47 receptions, 602 yards, 4 touchdowns

Despite flashes of his elite athleticism, Pitts has struggled to consistently replicate his rookie success, leading to questions about his fit in Atlanta’s offense.

Contract Status and Falcons’ Position

Pitts is entering the final year of his rookie contract, with a fully guaranteed $10.88 million fifth-year option for 2025. This contract situation adds complexity to any potential trade, as the Falcons would want to recoup significant value before risking losing him in free agency next offseason. Currently, Atlanta has limited salary cap space around $5.3 million which could make trading Pitts attractive if it yields draft capital and financial flexibility.

Despite the trade buzz, insiders like ESPN’s Adam Schefter emphasize that the Falcons are not actively pushing to move Pitts but are open to listening if the right offer arrives. Schefter noted, "If a team were to present a compelling offer, I think they might be persuaded to part with the former top-five draft pick".

Potential Trade Destinations and Packages

Several teams have emerged as logical fits for Pitts, who could revitalize his career in a new environment:

New England Patriots: With rookie quarterback Drake Maye at the helm and a need for offensive weapons, the Patriots could view Pitts as a foundational piece. Proposed trade packages include conditional draft picks that escalate based on Pitts’ 2025 performance and contract terms, allowing New England to mitigate risk while offering Atlanta value.
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have the cap space and a need for a dynamic tight end to complement Jake Ferguson. Adding Pitts could boost their offense under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets: These teams have also been mentioned as potential suitors due to their offensive needs and cap flexibility.

Bleacher Report outlined trade ideas involving picks and players like Austin Hooper, highlighting the Falcons’ desire for at least a Day 2 draft pick in any deal.

Expert Perspectives

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer remains skeptical about a trade happening soon, citing Pitts’ contract and declining production as hurdles. "He's no longer valued like he was by anyone as he had been before the 2021 draft," Breer wrote, suggesting that any acquiring team must be confident in unlocking Pitts’ potential.

Conversely, some analysts argue a fresh start could benefit Pitts, who still possesses rare talent at the tight end position. The Falcons’ willingness to listen to offers may reflect a strategic decision to maximize value before his contract expires.

Kyle Pitts stands at a crossroads in his young career. While the Falcons have not aggressively pursued a trade, the flood of inquiries and his contract status make a move increasingly plausible. For Pitts, a change of scenery could reignite the trajectory expected of a former top-five pick. For the Falcons, trading Pitts could provide much-needed draft capital and cap relief as they reshape their roster for 2025.

As training camp nears, all eyes will be on Atlanta to see if they hold onto their prized tight end or capitalize on the growing market interest. Either way, Pitts’ trade saga underscores the challenges teams face balancing potential, performance, and financial realities in today’s NFL.