Kyle Pitts: From Top Pick to Trade Bait – A Timeline
- The Atlanta falcons are reportedly considering trading tight end Kyle Pitts, a No.
- The Falcons drafted Pitts with the hope that he would become a cornerstone of their offense.
- According to reports, the Falcons are seeking at least a day 2 draft pick in exchange for Pitts.
from top pick to potential trade bait: the turbulent journey of Kyle Pitts with the Atlanta Falcons.This in-depth analysis from News Directory 3 dives into the Falcons’ consideration of trading their star tight end, exploring the reasons behind the shift in fortunes for the highly touted primary_keyword, and outlining the secondary_keyword challenges he faced. We look back at his draft day promise, the impact of injuries and roster changes, and the Falcons’ search for the right value. Discover the surprising twists and turns that have defined Pitts’ career in atlanta, and question the impact of key players and draft misses. Uncover the details behind the ongoing negotiations and see how the Falcons are planning for the future, as they potentially prepare to move on from the player.Discover what’s next …
Falcons Mull Trade for Tight End Kyle Pitts Amidst Inconsistency
Updated May 31, 2025
The Atlanta falcons are reportedly considering trading tight end Kyle Pitts, a No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.Despite initial high expectations, Pitts’ career with the Falcons has been marked by inconsistency and injuries.Other teams have inquired about Pitts’ availability, and Atlanta is listening.
The Falcons drafted Pitts with the hope that he would become a cornerstone of their offense. Though, the team may now be questioning that decision, especially when considering the success of other players drafted soon after Pitts, such as Ja’Marr Chase and Micah Parsons.
According to reports, the Falcons are seeking at least a day 2 draft pick in exchange for Pitts. While the organization reportedly prefers to keep Pitts, they are willing to consider a trade if the offer is right.
Draft Day optimism
In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected Pitts after three quarterbacks—trevor Lawrence, Zach wilson, and Trey Lance—were taken with the frist three picks. At the time,many analysts considered Pitts the consensus best non-quarterback available. Some suggested the Falcons draft a quarterback to succeed matt Ryan, but the team opted for Pitts.
Hindsight reveals the Falcons missed opportunities by not drafting Chase, Jaylen Waddle, or DeVonta Smith, all of whom have achieved multiple 1,000-yard seasons. The Falcons’ wide receiver group quickly deteriorated after the draft.
2021 Season: Wide Receiver Troubles
The Falcons initially aimed to build an offensive powerhouse around Matt Ryan, featuring Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley alongside Pitts. The idea was that Jones and Ridley would draw defensive attention, easing Pitts’ transition to the NFL. However, this trio never played together.
Months after drafting Pitts, the Falcons traded Jones to the Tennessee Titans for financial reasons. Despite Jones’ departure, Ridley was expected to step up. Coming off a strong 2020 season, Ridley was poised to form a dynamic duo with Pitts. But they only played five games together.
In October 2021, Ridley announced he was stepping away from football for mental health reasons. Later, the NFL suspended him indefinitely for betting on NFL games, including Falcons games. Ridley was banned for the 2022 season and eventually traded to the Jacksonville jaguars. In their final game together, Pitts had seven catches for 163 yards, his career high.
Pitts finished his rookie year with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. However, losing Jones and Ridley significantly hampered his development.
what’s next
The Falcons will evaluate trade offers for Kyle Pitts while considering how he fits into their long-term plans. The team’s decision will depend on the value they place on Pitts’ potential versus the draft capital they could acquire in a trade.