As the NFL gears up for the 2025 organized team activities (OTAs), Kyle Pitts trade rumors and potential packages have intensified, focusing on the Atlanta Falcons’ young tight end entering the final year of his rookie deal. Multiple teams have expressed interest in acquiring the former Pro Bowler, motivated by his potential impact and the Falcons’ constrained salary cap situation.
Kyle Pitts, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021, has yet to fully reach his expected ceiling due to limited utilization and injury setbacks. The Falcons’ cap space remains tight at just $5.3 million, which, combined with Pitts’ looming free agency and $10.9 million salary on his fifth-year option, makes a trade a compelling consideration. Reportedly, the Falcons prefer keeping Pitts but would entertain significant offers, sparking speculation about teams that could use a dynamic tight end and what trades might be viable.
Potential Trade Scenarios Involving Kyle Pitts and Interested Teams
Several NFL teams aiming to bolster their offensive weapons or reshape their rosters have emerged as logical suitors in trade talks involving Kyle Pitts. These hypothetical packages attempt to balance Atlanta’s need for draft capital or player depth with the acquiring teams’ cap flexibility and roster construction strategies.
New England Patriots Eyeing a Long-Term Tight End Solution
The New England Patriots have surfaced as likely contenders in the pursuit of Kyle Pitts, who would become a key target for their young quarterback Drake Maye. While the Patriots currently have veterans Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, both nearing free agency and over 30 years old, Pitts offers a youthful and high-upside addition.
Considering Pitts’ foot injury that delayed his 2025 OTA participation, the Patriots still see value in his All-Pro potential before his 25th birthday in October. New England, leading the NFL in salary cap space, could comfortably negotiate a long-term contract with him.
One plausible trade proposal includes the Patriots sending Atlanta their 2026 3rd- and 4th-round picks plus tight end Austin Hooper, who carries a modest $2 million base salary and would provide depth at tight end for the Falcons. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz,
“it would take at least a Day 2 pick”
for Atlanta to consider trading Pitts. New England can meet or exceed that demand by offering their third-rounder and possibly two fourth-round selections — making this a strong package due to Pitts’ high potential and Hooper’s familiarity with the Falcons.
Washington Commanders Seeking to Enhance Their Offensive Arsenal
The Washington Commanders, building around second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, are another team reportedly interested in Kyle Pitts. Daniels has demonstrated the ability to excel with tight ends as focal points, as evidenced by Zach Ertz’s strong production last season. Yet, with Ertz turning 35 and Ben Sinnott still developing, Pitts could replace Ertz as a long-term pass-catching target.
Washington has over $21 million in available cap space, positioning them well to pursue Pitts despite lacking a 2026 second-round pick due to a prior trade involving Laremy Tunsil. A possible trade could involve Washington offering Atlanta a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick. Pitts’ ability to create mismatches alongside Sinnott, Terry McLaurin, and Deebo Samuel would provide offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury with multiple scheme advantages.
Los Angeles Rams’ Interest in Adding a Passing Weapon
The Los Angeles Rams, confronting uncertainty at tight end with Tyler Higbee entering his contract’s final year and Terrance Ferguson unproven, are also candidates for a trade centered on Kyle Pitts. Bringing Pitts to Los Angeles would complement star wideouts Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and provide a long-term target for current and future quarterbacks. Notably, Rams quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone was the Falcons’ offensive coordinator during Pitts’ Pro Bowl rookie campaign, possibly influencing their confidence in Pitts’ fit.
A hypothetical deal could send Atlanta the Rams’ 2026 first-round pick in exchange for Pitts plus Los Angeles’ 2026 second- and third-round picks. This would allow the Falcons to regain a coveted first-round selection that was earlier traded to move up for pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. The Rams’ strategy of identifying mid-round gems makes this an appealing gamble on Pitts’ future impact.
Tennessee Titans Could Trade Quarterback Will Levis in Return
The Tennessee Titans, fresh off selecting quarterback Cam Ward first overall in the 2025 draft, might view trading up for Pitts as a way to enhance Ward’s offensive options. The presence of Ward pushes 2023 second-round pick Will Levis’ role into question, potentially making him part of a trade package.
In this scenario, the Titans would offer a 2026 third- and seventh-round pick along with Levis to Atlanta for Pitts. Levis himself acknowledged the difficulty of competing for playing time, stating,
“Anyone who’s ever been in my situation would agree that it sucks,”
and added,
“I’m just trying to do the best I can to not let it affect me.”
—Will Levis, Quarterback
The Falcons might see Levis as valuable depth behind their second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., especially if Kirk Cousins is eventually traded. While Levis’ NFL performances have been mixed, his experience surpasses other backup options on Atlanta’s roster and could justify his inclusion in a Pitts trade package.
For the Titans, Pitts would provide a major upgrade in offensive firepower alongside tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo and receiver Calvin Ridley. Pitts’ versatility in two-tight-end sets or playing as a large slot receiver would suit offensive coordinator Brian Callahan’s system well.
Cleveland Browns Consider a Straight Player Swap
The Cleveland Browns present a unique trade candidate given their cap challenges, with just $12.4 million available but potential savings by trading cornerback Greg Newsome II. A direct exchange sending Newsome to the Falcons for Pitts might interest both teams, as the Falcons look to bolster their secondary, while Cleveland seeks offensive pieces for the future.
Newsome, scheduled for his fifth-year option, has delivered solid performances when healthy. This trade scenario offers each team an opportunity to part with players who may not fit long-term plans, allowing short-term auditions for new pieces. Cleveland’s tight end situation features David Njoku, whose contract expires in 2026, and unproven rookie Harold Fannin Jr., making Pitts a desirable upgrade should they secure a stable long-term quarterback, possibly through draft picks or trade acquisitions like Kenny Pickett.
Pittsburgh Steelers Could Pursue Both Pitts and Cousins
The Pittsburgh Steelers might aim to acquire not just Kyle Pitts but also quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Falcons. Given Pitts’ underwhelming production since his rookie year and no contract beyond 2025, the Falcons would likely demand multiple high draft picks to engage in such a trade.
A conceivable offer might include the Steelers sending a 2026 second-round pick, a fifth-round pick in 2026, and a 2027 fourth-round pick to Atlanta to secure both players. This package balances Falcons’ need to gain substantial draft capital while Pittsburgh adds experienced assets to support their roster overhaul efforts.
Trade Discussions Highlight Falcons’ Need for Cap Flexibility and Depth
The ongoing Kyle Pitts trade rumors and potential packages underscore the financial and strategic crossroad facing the Atlanta Falcons. With tight cap constraints and several key players entering free agency or uncertain contract situations, the Falcons’ front office must weigh whether retaining Pitts makes the most sense versus acquiring draft capital or players that better fit their rebuilding timeline.
Teams like the Patriots, Commanders, Rams, Titans, Browns, and Steelers all have reasons to pursue Pitts, either to accelerate their youth movement or to complement emerging offensive stars. For the Falcons, trading Pitts could provide valuable flexibility, especially if backed by offerings such as draft picks, experienced tight ends like Austin Hooper, or depth at critical positions like quarterback and cornerback.
As the 2025 OTAs proceed, the Falcons—and the league—will closely monitor these trade conversations. Any move involving Kyle Pitts could have ripple effects on quarterback situations, cap management, and team-building approaches league-wide.