As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, speculation about Kyle Pitts’ future with the Atlanta Falcons is intensifying. With a hefty contract of $10.878 million for the final year of his rookie deal, discussions surrounding a potential trade may become more pressing if his performance does not meet expectations.
Pitts, once regarded as a top prospect after being selected fourth overall in the 2021 draft, has struggled with consistency throughout his career. Despite showing flashes of his immense talent, he has yet to replicate the success of his rookie season, where he recorded over 1,000 yards. Injuries and a lack of consistent production have raised concerns about his long-term value to the franchise.
Analysts suggest that if the Falcons stumble in the early part of the season, they may consider trading Pitts before the November 5 deadline. Teams have previously shown interest, but the challenge remains balancing his substantial contract with the potential benefits of a trade . A midseason move could be complicated, especially if Pitts struggles to find his rhythm with new quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons have invested heavily in their offense, drafting promising talent to support Pitts and improve overall team performance. However, if Pitts fails to thrive in this revamped environment, it could lead to difficult decisions for the team’s front office. The ideal scenario would involve Pitts enhancing his play, thus increasing his trade value should the need arise.
Pitts may not be a Falcon at some point next season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Dan Graziano for ESPN.
Don’t be surprised if … tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. ends up getting traded.
What I’m hearing: Part of this is what I’m seeing — or rather not seeing. Pitts is in the final year of his contract, playing for $10.878 million on the fifth-year option from his rookie deal. The Falcons have made no move to extend him beyond this season. The fourth pick of the 2021 draft has averaged 49 catches per season and caught a total of 10 touchdown passes in his four-year career while struggling to consistently stay healthy.
When No. 2 receiver Darnell Mooney went down with an injury early in training camp, there was a lot of talk about Atlanta filling that void by playing two-tight end sets and basically using Pitts as a receiver. And the Falcons absolutely might still try that. But there are definitely signs that they don’t view Pitts as a great fit for what they’re trying to do on offense. Mooney’s training camp absence gave some of the younger receivers on the roster a chance to show what they can do, and if one or more of them has emerged as a reliable contributor by the time the trade deadline rolls around, don’t be shocked if Pitts is on the move.
At just 24 years old, Pitts still has time to prove himself and redirect the narrative surrounding his career. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can capitalize on his opportunities and solidify his place within the franchise’s future plans.
Pitts’ situation in Atlanta is fraught with uncertainty as the season begins. The possibility of a trade looms large, depending on his performance and the team’s trajectory, making this a pivotal year for the talented tight end.
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