Kyle Pitts Trade Gaining Momentum Before NFL Draft

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 21, 2026 10:39 PM ET

It's not set in stone, but Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts could be on the move during the NFL Draft.

Pitts, the No. 4 overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft, had 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns this past season for the Falcons. Although he would've been set for a massive payday in free agency, he never hit the open market since he received the franchise tag from Atlanta.

Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham was asked about Pitts during the NFL's annual league meeting in late March. He didn't shut down the idea of an offseason trade involving the former first-round pick from Florida.

"It’s my job as the General Manager to do what’s best for the organization," Cunningham said, via The Athletic. "Kyle is a great player. We’ve seen his skill set. Also, it’s my job to listen. We’re excited to have Kyle. We’re excited for his future."

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With the NFL Draft set to begin this Thursday night, ESPN's Adam Schefter named Pitts as a potential trade candidate.

"Dexter Lawrence II was already traded Saturday to Cincinnati for the No. 10 pick -- there are plenty more who could be dealt during the upcoming draft," Schefter wrote. "Those who could gain interest include Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., Titans quarterback Will Levis, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II, Giants edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman and 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, among others."

Where might Kyle Pitts end up?

John Breech of CBS Sports proposed a trade where the Kansas City Chiefs send the No. 29 overall pick to the Falcons in exchange for Pitts.

The Chiefs were considered a suitor for Pitts before he received the franchise tag from the Falcons. In theory, he'd be an ideal replacement for Travis Kelce.

"The Chiefs could pair Kelce with Pitts, who would take the franchise tight-end baton from the future Hall of Famer," Moe Moton of Bleacher Report wrote. "In this scenario, Kelce would likely see a reduced role, which would preserve him for the season. Early in the previous campaign, head coach Andy Reid discussed managing Kelce's snap count. With Pitts, he can do that and still get production out of the position in his offense."

Are the Falcons willing to pull the trigger on a trade though? We'll find out in the coming days.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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