Kyle Pitts has yet to live up to his “unicorn” moniker, according to many analysts and even Atlanta GM Terry Fontenot. As the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history, Pitts has struggled to replicate the brilliance of his rookie season, when he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards and earned a Pro Bowl selection.
Amid the Atlanta Falcons’ need to create cap space for 2025, trade rumors have swirled around Pitts this offseason. ESPN’s Ben Solak recently speculated that the former No. 4 overall pick might be traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a Day 3 draft pick. The Bengals, potentially facing the loss of Tee Higgins in free agency, could view Pitts as a fitting addition to their offense.
Despite his recent “underwhelming” performance, Pitts holds far more value than a mere Day 3 pick would suggest. Atlanta should resist trading him unless Pitts explicitly requests it or they receive a substantially better offer.
The Case for Keeping Kyle Pitts
Drafted fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts made an immediate impact as a rookie, quickly becoming Matt Ryan’s go-to target following Calvin Ridley’s season-ending absence. On a roster where Russell Gage emerged as the top receiver, Pitts capitalized on his opportunities, leading all tight ends with 15.1 yards per reception and tying for the most air yards per target at 10.5.
However, Pitts’ rookie year remains the only season in which he had the same starting quarterback from start to finish. Since then, he has endured a carousel of quarterbacks, including Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, Kirk Cousins, and now Michael Penix Jr. Building chemistry with a quarterback is critical, but Pitts has lacked the consistency to do so.
Even in less-than-ideal conditions, Pitts has maintained his reputation as a deep threat. In 2024, sharing a loaded offense with Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Bijan Robinson, Pitts managed 602 receiving yards (13th among tight ends) and four touchdowns, despite limited targets. His averages of 12.8 yards per reception (4th) and 8.6 air yards per target (4th) highlight his big-play ability.
Despite a career-low target rate of 17% in 2024, Pitts maximized his opportunities, achieving a career-best catch percentage of 67.1%. His efficiency, combined with his 5.8 yards after the catch, underscores his value as a playmaker.
What If Atlanta Moves On?
If the Falcons were to trade Pitts, replacing him would be a daunting task. Free agency offers few comparable tight ends, and most available options lack Pitts’ athleticism. The draft, meanwhile, should prioritize other areas like defense or offensive line.
Zac Robinson’s offense heavily utilizes 11-personnel, making Charlie Woerner the likely replacement. While Woerner is an excellent blocker, he lacks the dynamic receiving ability Pitts brings. Losing Pitts would leave a gap in Atlanta’s offense, even if receivers like Darnell Mooney or Rondale Moore attempted to fill the void.
The Verdict
Though Pitts may not have fully met expectations, labeling him a “bust” overlooks his circumstances and potential. Whether Atlanta can unlock his talent with a stable quarterback or decides to part ways with him, Pitts remains a unique asset the Falcons shouldn’t let go lightly.
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