Total Pro Sports
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has been a fixture in the 2025 NFL offseason trade rumor mill. With OTAs underway, tight end Kyle Pitts is suddenly another name to monitor on the trade front.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Friday morning that several NFL teams have inquired about Kyle Pitts’ availability in a potential trade. Schultz noted that “Nothing is imminent,” and that Atlanta would want a second or third-round pick to have “serious” discussions.
Kirk Cousins was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. for Atlanta’s final three games last season. Atlanta has been adamant about Penix being their starter going forward, so they’ll either have to trade Cousins or pay the $180 million man a ton of money to be their backup.
Sources: Multiple teams have reached out to the #Falcons about the availability of TE Kyle Pitts.
Nothing is imminent, and Atlanta would prefer to keep him — but I’m told it would take at least a Day 2 pick to even spark serious talks. pic.twitter.com/smNLgOcBow
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 30, 2025
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox proposed a fascinating trade scenario that has Atlanta trading Kyle Pitts and Kirk Cousins to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for 2026 second and fifth-round picks plus a 2027 fourth-round pick:
“Tight end isn’t a massive need for the Steelers because they have Pat Freiermuth atop the depth chart. Pittsburgh lacks potent pass-catchers after Freiermuth and DK Metcalf, however, and could provide a strong schematic fit for Pitts.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was Atlanta’s head coach when Pitts was drafted.
This is a package trade that could probably only happen if (Aaron) Rodgers shuns the Steelers—or if Pittsburgh surprisingly decides to pivot away from him. Should that happen, however, it might also be the best possible outcome for all involved.”
If Atlanta wants to unload the last three years of Cousins’ contract, there’s a strong possibility they’ll have to attach a sweetener. A young tight end like Pitts would fit that bill, and it would help Atlanta’s chances of securing the best possible return.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and owner Art Rooney II have publicly expressed optimism that they’ll get a deal done with Aaron Rodgers. But if he chooses to retire, it makes sense for Pittsburgh to take a chance on Kirk Cousins and see if he can revive his career in Steel City.
Cousins will have been two years removed from season-ending surgery on his Achilles tear, and he’d have the chance to play behind an elite offensive line with D.K. Metcal as his go-to receiver. So if Rodgers retires, Pittsburgh should be all-in on Cousins.
