Potential Trade Scenarios for Kyle Pitts as NFL Season Approaches

As the NFL calendar progresses into organized team activities (OTAs), there is considerable speculation regarding player movements, particularly surrounding the Atlanta Falcons and tight end Kyle Pitts. Once a rookie Pro Bowler in 2021, Pitts has seen limited usage in subsequent seasons and is now entering the final year of his rookie contract. Recent reports from Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz indicate that multiple teams have inquired about Pitts' availability, although the Falcons reportedly prefer to retain the 24-year-old talent.
Pitts is expected to earn $10.9 million on his fifth-year option next season. Atlanta currently has only $5.3 million in cap space, which may compel the organization to consider offers that could enhance its financial flexibility ahead of the upcoming season. Various teams could emerge as logical suitors for Pitts, and several hypothetical trade scenarios have been put forth for analysis.
One potential destination for Pitts is the New England Patriots. In this scenario, the Patriots could acquire Pitts in exchange for a combination of a 2026 third-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and tight end Austin Hooper. Despite not reaching the 1,000-receiving yard mark since his rookie season, Pitts retains significant upside, with the advantage of youth on his side. As the Patriots look to build around second-year quarterback Drake Maye, Pitts could quickly become an essential target within the passing game, especially given that New England has ample cap space to negotiate a long-term contract.
Another team that might pursue Pitts is the Washington Commanders, who are also focusing on the development of a second-year quarterback, Jayden Daniels. While the Commanders have tight end Zach Ertz and promising rookie Ben Sinnott, adding a player like Pitts could provide additional firepower to their offense. In this hypothetical trade, the Falcons would receive a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick, giving Washington the opportunity to enhance their tight end position while competing in the NFC East.
The Los Angeles Rams could also be in play, seeking to secure a top-tier pass-catching tight end to complement their receiving corps. The Rams might offer the Falcons a 2026 first-round pick along with Pitts and a second-round pick in 2026. Following the recent selection of tight end prospects, securing Pitts could help rejuvenate their passing game, especially as they work with aging personnel at the position. This trade could potentially allow the Falcons to reclaim a first-round selection they traded earlier in the year.
The Tennessee Titans could consider acquiring Pitts as well, possibly sending a package that includes a 2026 third-round pick, a 2026 seventh-round pick, and quarterback Will Levis. Levis is at a crossroads after the Titans drafted Cam Ward first overall, and a move to Atlanta could offer him a fresh start. For the Titans, Pitts could become a dynamic part of their offense, providing young quarterback Cam Ward with a versatile weapon.
In a more complex scenario, the Cleveland Browns might entertain swapping Pitts for cornerback Greg Newsome II. While the Browns face financial constraints, they could save considerable cap space by moving Newsome. Given the Falcons' need for defensive depth, this player-for-player trade could benefit both parties as they move on from players not aligned with their long-term strategies.
Lastly, a combined trade involving tight end Kyle Pitts and quarterback Kirk Cousins moving to the Pittsburgh Steelers could bring significant returns for Atlanta. In this scenario, the Falcons would receive a package including a 2026 second-round pick, a 2026 fifth-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick. The trade would not only clear space for Atlanta by moving Cousins' contract but also bring them valuable selections. For Pittsburgh, should they look for a quarterback to secure long-term stability, acquiring Cousins could provide them with a viable option.
As discussions surrounding Kyle Pitts heat up, his future remains uncertain. While the Atlanta Falcons are inclined to retain him, the combination of salary structure, cap space, and future drafts could ultimately lead to a trade that serves both the Falcons' and Pitts' best interests.








