Atlanta Falcons star tight end Kyle Pitts is attracting serious interest throughout the NFL as teams shop around trade scenarios leading into the 2025 season.
A recent report tells us that several franchises have made inquiries to the Falcons about a possible acquisition of Pitts, who's in the final year of his rookie contract. Atlanta is said to prefer to keep their 24-year-old playmaker in-house, but they are reportedly listening, if the proposal involves at least a Day 2 NFL Draft choice.
Pitts Skips Falcons OTAs Amid Contract Rumors
Pitts was noticeably missing from the Falcons' Organized Team Activities (OTAs) earlier this week. His absence initially fueled contract rumors, but updates from Bleacher Report's James Palmer confirmed that the absence was actually because of a foot injury, not a holdout. His teammate quarterback Kirk Cousins also skipped OTAs while apparently seeking a trade.
Despite the injury report, Pitts' name continues to swirl in trade rumors, especially with his contract nearing its end. He's scheduled to earn $10.878 million in 2025 under his fifth-year option and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 if no extension is reached.
Read more: NFL Trade Rumors: Cleveland Browns Could Prioritize Younger Talent Over Greg Newsome II, But Why?
From Rookie Stardom to Recent Struggles
Selected No. 4 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts burst onto the NFL scene with a record rookie year. The Florida Gators product had 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, the first rookie tight end to have over 1,000 receiving yards since Hall of Famer Mike Ditka accomplished the feat in 1961.
But his production has fallen off since that breakout season. Injuries, quarterback inconsistency, and changing offensive roles have been factors in his decreased numbers.
According to CBS Sports, Pitts hasn't had a season with more than 667 receiving yards since his rookie season. In 2024, he played in all 17 games but caught just 47 passes for 602 yards and a career-best four touchdowns, paltry figures by his early expectations.
Underused in Falcons' New Offense
Pitts struggled to develop a reliable role in the Falcons' offense last season with new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. His deployment was a career low, averaging only 2.8 catches and 35.4 yards per contest. With his athleticism and size mismatch ceiling, he was simply not being used adequately—a confounding trend for a player who was one day considered an All-Pro-in-the-making.
Trade Value and Future Outlook
A few NFL teams are interested in him, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Pitts' youth, skill, and previous production make him a prime prospect for contenders and rebuilding teams. A second or third-round draft pick might be enough to entice Atlanta to trade him.
Whatever he does, whether he remains with the Falcons or signs with a new club, Kyle Pitts' 2025 campaign is going to be a make-or-break moment in his career. A new beginning with a team that maximizes his set of skills can rekindle the franchise player tag that initially made him a fifth-overall pick.
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