Kyle Pitts faces an uncertain future with the Atlanta Falcons as he enters the final year of his contract amid doubts surrounding his commitment and value across the NFL. Despite his status as a former first-round pick and rookie Pro Bowler, league insiders and agents express skepticism about his long-term impact and market worth.
This spring, Pitts has been hampered by a foot injury, limiting his participation in Falcons activities, but reports indicate he is seeking a long-term deal. However, some agents familiar with the tight end landscape remain unconvinced that Pitts merits top-tier compensation, believing his performance thus far does not justify the investment.
Concerns Emerge Over Pitts’ On-Field Effort and Overall Value
Though Pitts achieved a career-high four touchdown catches early in the 2024 season, his overall production has fallen short of expectations since being selected fourth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. His rookie campaign, where he amassed 1,026 receiving yards, has not been approached ever again.
One veteran NFL agent commented anonymously on Pitts’ current standing, stating,
“He looks like he doesn’t care. He’s a tremendous athlete, but a below-average tight end. If he doesn’t win with athleticism, he’s not a savvy route runner who can get open at the top of his routes. He brings next to nothing to the run game.”
The same agent added,
“There is a group of general managers who will always give a former first-round pick a second chance. So, he’ll probably do better than he should based on his play, but I’d maybe give him $4 million with some upside. You can’t count on him to be your starter, so you can’t pay him like one.”
These comments highlight Pitts’ struggle to combine his athletic gifts with consistent production and savvy play, limiting his effectiveness in both the passing and running games. While the Falcons have assembled a promising offensive core around second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., featuring rising star running back Bijan Robinson and reliable receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, Pitts remains an uncertain element.
His unpredictable contributions raise questions not only about his future role in Atlanta but also his market value across the NFL as teams weigh potential risks against his upside.
Trade Prospects Clouded by Pitts’ Questionable Market Value
Should the Falcons decide against offering Pitts a long-term deal, they may entertain trade possibilities. However, expectations of lucrative offers appear unlikely. Rival NFC executives suggest that Pitts’ underachievement suppresses his trade value regardless of his pedigree.
One NFC general manager, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked,
“Well, as a GM—I would let the player’s production and value to our team determine our value for his contract. I don’t think in this case, the market of what tight ends are getting is a factor.”
He continued,
“He has underachieved. That may be partly the Falcons’ fault because his usage has been sporadic, but he doesn’t value as a top 10 TE to me at all. Just my opinion.”
Though Pitts possesses rare physical traits—standing 6-foot-6 and 246 pounds with notable speed—he resembles more of a tall slot receiver than a complete tight end, especially given his poor run-blocking metrics. Pro Football Focus rated his run-blocking grade at a disappointing 46.1 last season.
Over his four NFL seasons, Pitts has caught 196 passes for 2,651 yards with 10 touchdowns total, numbers that have failed to meet the lofty expectations tied to his draft position. The 2024 season could serve as a case study for teams on how best to utilize him, as he ranks fourth among tight ends in average yards per catch (12.8) and fourth in average depth of target (8.7 yards).
Still, the inconsistency remains the primary sticking point. Teams evaluating Pitts will likely focus less on his athletic ceiling and more on the erratic impact he has delivered to this date.
Could Kansas City Chiefs Provide a Fresh Start for Pitts?
One potential suitor rumored to be interested in revitalizing Pitts’ career is the Kansas City Chiefs. With veteran tight end Travis Kelce nearing the latter stages of his career, the Chiefs may be looking ahead to supplement Patrick Mahomes’ arsenal with a dynamic pass-catcher.
Nick Halden of KCKingdom speculates that Pitts could be a trade target for Kansas City, with offensive coordinator Andy Reid aiming to unlock the full measure of Pitts’ athletic gifts.
Halden writes,
“While Atlanta marches to the beat of its own drum when it comes to managing its roster, there have been consistent trade rumblings. It is noteworthy that Pitts didn’t take part in OTAs and remains in trade rumors dating back to the end of the season.”
He continues,
“It seems an early-day two pick might be enough to get the deal done in what would be a rental for the 2025 season. While this is a high price to pay for a lone season, the potential elite ability of the pass catcher makes the fit far too enticing not to consider.”
If acquired, Pitts would join speedsters Xavier Worthy and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, adding a vertical threat element to an already prolific Chiefs passing attack. While the Falcons’ intentions regarding Pitts remain unclear, the prospect of him fitting into Kansas City’s offense is an intriguing possibility.
The Road Ahead for Pitts and the Falcons
As Kyle Pitts enters the most pivotal season of his young career, his trajectory with the Atlanta Falcons remains clouded with doubt and hesitation. The team’s commitment to emerging talent around Michael Penix Jr. and Bijan Robinson contrasts sharply with the mixed signals about Pitts’ value and role.
For the Falcons, deciding whether to invest in Pitts long-term or explore trade options will have significant implications on their roster construction and salary cap management. For Pitts, demonstrating improved consistency, effort, and all-around game development could restore his standing among NFL tight ends.
Across the league, general managers will continue to weigh the risks and rewards of taking on an athlete with such promising physical attributes yet unfulfilled potential. The outcome of this contract year could shape Pitts’ career path for years to come—either affirming his status as a key offensive weapon or signaling a new chapter elsewhere.