Despite there being little news surrounding Kyle Pitts this offseason, it’s picked up in a big way over the last week.
The highest drafted tight end in league history is not on the field at OTAs, reportedly being held out of practice with an undisclosed injury. But at the same time, he’s also the subject of trade rumors. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported last week that several teams have called about Kyle Pitts, but that Atlanta is looking for at least a Day 2 draft pick to even begin negotiations.
Let me be clear: if a team were to call offering a Day 2 draft pick for Kyle Pitts, the Falcons would be absolute buffoons not to accept. He’s severely underachieved at every turn since his rookie campaign, and is now entering a contract year as the team’s fourth option. There’s almost no scenario where the Falcons can justify paying him next offseason, so recouping a second- or third-round pick on their investment would be a no-brainer, which suggests it hasn’t been offered.
This week, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shed more light on the situation. Not only did he refer to the Falcons as “open to the possibility” of moving Kyle Pitts, but he also noted that Pitts wouldn’t be against a trade either, citing the fact that he is likely not going to be one of the team’s top receiving options next season, which is not ideal for a player that is entering a contract year. Pitts is not requesting a trade, but he certainly wouldn’t be against it.
Everybody in Atlanta wants to see what Kyle Pitts can do with Michael Penix Jr. under center. The Falcons haven’t had stable quarterback play at any point since Pitts’ historic rookie campaign, which was Matt Ryan‘s last year. Many are still holding onto hope that Pitts can provide similar production with a better quarterback in Penix.
It’s certainly possible, even though it’s highly unlikely. As Fowler noted, Pitts isn’t going to be one of the top options in the Falcons offense this upcoming season. He’s firmly behind Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Darnell Mooney in the pecking order, and his numbers with Penix under center last season over the final three games don’t suggest a breakout is around the corner. Pitts was targeted just 10 times, hauling in six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Pitts undoubtedly still carries a bit of value, given his upside, which is why teams are calling. With that being said, if a third or even fourth-round pick is on the table, the Falcons should probably view it as a blessing and move on from the highest-drafted tight end in league history after just four seasons.
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