If you’ve played fantasy football and picked Kyle Pitts, you might relate to the frustration, much like the Atlanta Falcons who selected him as the fourth overall pick in 2021. Pitts was highly touted as a generational talent at tight end, expected to elevate the Falcons’ offense significantly. While there were glimpses of his potential, his time has mostly been marked by inconsistencies, injuries, and doubts about his long-term impact. Recently, reports from Fox Sports revealed that the Falcons have checked in on Pitts’ trade availability. Although the team prefers to keep him, they would consider trading him if they receive at least a second-day draft pick in return, suggesting that a move might be on the horizon.
When Pitts was drafted, he was seen as a cornerstone for the Falcons’ future. Meanwhile, other notable 2021 draftees like Ja’Marr Chase, Patrick Surtain II, and Micah Parsons have shone in their roles with other teams. The Falcons’ decision to pass on quarterbacks like Justin Fields or Mac Jones in favor of Pitts is now heavily scrutinized, especially since receivers like Chase and Jaylen Waddle quickly became stars, each posting multiple 1,000-yard seasons.
In 2021, the Falcons appeared ready to build a robust offensive attack around Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley, which would have offered Pitts a comfortable rookie season. However, Jones was soon traded, and Ridley’s unexpected mental health leave and subsequent suspension for betting severely impacted the team’s receiving corps. Although Pitts achieved a career-high 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection, the loss of key teammates hindered his growth.
The 2022 season saw Ryan depart, and the Falcons struggled with inconsistent quarterback play between Marcus Mariota and rookie Desmond Ridder. Pitts battled a knee injury that limited his output to 10 games, although he still had several strong performances. The quarterback instability continued into 2023, with Ridder and veteran Taylor Heinicke struggling to steady the offense. Pitts finished with modest stats—53 catches, 667 yards, and three touchdowns—and rarely reached significant yardage in games.
In 2024, the Falcons changed leadership, bringing in head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zach Robinson. The new offensive scheme didn’t play to Pitts’ strengths, focusing more on the running game and other receivers, leaving him less involved. Pitts ended up Atlanta’s fourth-leading receiver, with multiple low-yardage games.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Falcons picked up Pitts’ fifth-year option, extending his contract through 2026. Yet, trade rumors swirl as the team has received inquiries, preferring to keep him but open to deals for a decent draft pick. Potential landing spots include the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, who have shown interest in acquiring a tight end.
Fan Take: This potential trade saga highlights how unpredictable player development can be, even for highly talented prospects like Kyle Pitts. For NFL fans, it’s a reminder that draft picks alone don’t guarantee success, and how teams adapt or pivot is crucial for the sport’s ever-evolving landscape.
