The Falcoholic
Kyle Pitts is still young and plenty of teams are looking to cash in.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz has reported that multiple teams have currently reached out to the Falcons about the availability of former number-four overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Kyle Pitts. Schultz is quick to say that “nothing is imminent,” effectively downplaying the inquiries surrounding Pitts, which makes sense.
General manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris need to make the playoffs this season to secure their jobs, making every morsel of talent on the roster that much more important. Also, this move would effectively push everyone in the tight end room up a spot. Charlie Woerner as a TE2 and a primary blocker feels a whole lot better than Woerner as a TE1 and, ultimately, a primary receiving option.
That doesn’t push it entirely out of the realm of possibility, though. Atlanta lined up in 11 (one running back, one tight end) personnel more than any team lined up in any single personnel in 2024 (85.54%), according to Sumer Sports. Not to mention that since his rookie season, Pitts has not lived up to the billing of his top-five status in what was a loaded 2021 draft. After battling multiple injuries, including an MCL tear that ended his 2022 season, it wouldn’t be surprising for Fontenot to experience a bit of buyer’s remorse with his first-ever draft pick.
But as they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and there is plenty of shine left in Pitts’ game for other teams to talk themselves into a resurgence of sorts for the former Florida Gator if put in the proper position.
In his reporting, Schultz reported that multiple teams were interested in Pitts, and five teams immediately came to mind.
Since Pitts’ struggles started in Atlanta, one of the dream scenarios for both sides would be a trade to the Chiefs.
As legendary as Travis Kelce is, he can’t play forever. Turning 36 at the end of the season, Kelce is nearing the end of the line, and Noah Gray isn’t the answer as TE1 of the future. Pitts would give another potentially explosive element to the offense with his YAC ability and verticality outside the numbers. Once Kelce retires, then he would be a perfect replacement as a safety valve in the intermediate parts of the field.
Both Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra are to be free agents in 2026, and Goedert is set to cost $20.6 million against the cap if he stays. While also being another potential vertical option for Jalen Hurts and company in the present, Pitts could also be a possible option to help guide the room into the future next to A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith.
Also, Kyle Pitts grew up less than an hour away from Philadelphia, so the homecoming could be just what the doctor ordered.
Though a bit more of a hike, Pittsburgh was still...
