The Atlanta Falcons used the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to select tight end Kyle Pitts because he had the potential and tools necessary to take over the position coming out of Florida. At some point, though, potential needs to turn into production.
Pitts is beginning his fifth season in the league and has yet to reach anywhere near the expectations the Falcons had for him. He recorded 47 receptions for 602 yards and four touchdown catches in 2024.
Still, all hope is not lost for the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native, as he is only 24 years old. A fresh start with an organization ready to compete for a Super Bowl could be exactly what Pitts needs to turn his career around.
Could the Falcons Trade Kyle Pitts to a Division Rival?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Falcons have the best shot of winning the NFC South in 2025. While the Carolina Panthers could be a dark horse contender for the division, the most likely battle is between the previously listed teams.
So, it’s hard to imagine Tampa Bay and Atlanta doing much business, especially a trade revolving around such a high-upside player like Pitts.
Still, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox predicts the Falcons could trade Pitts to the Buccaneers. Knox listed the TE’s projected trade value at a conditional 2026 fourth-round pick.
“Though Pitts flashed elite potential with a 1,026-yard rookie season, his lack of a long-term role in Atlanta could make him a more realistic trade target early in the year. The 24-year-old is in a contract year and has not cemented himself as a long-term piece of Atlanta’s puzzle,” Knox wrote.
“Atlanta can probably expect to get a high Day-3 selection that can become a Day-2 pick if Pitts returns to a Pro Bowl level of production.”
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It’s worth noting Pitts may not need to switch teams to have a fresh start, as quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is the full-time starter now. He started just three games last season, so an offseason for the two to build chemistry could be the recipe for success.
Here, dang pic.twitter.com/GNauYmqk47
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 13, 2025
Meanwhile, in Tampa, Cade Otton is the Buccaneers’ starting tight end for Week 1, so it’s fair to say the job is up for grabs. However, Pitts would still need to earn the TE 1 role if he were traded, as Otton did put up similar statistics last year.
One of the biggest reasons Pitts could succeed with the Buccaneers is their abundance of weapons. Wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, running back Bucky Irving, and even rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka will demand serious attention from opponents, which could allow the 6’6″ athletic Pro Bowler to shine.
It would be tough to justify paying Pitts a respectable extension as it stands, but if he can bounce back in 2025, it could become warranted very quickly given his tools and age. Regardless, the Florida Gators product looks to start the season on a strong note.
Sunday, September 7, the Falcons and Buccaneers will meet in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The game is set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
