Kyle Pitts landing spots: Chargers, Titans best fits if Falcons trade TE
Kyle Pitts is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Will the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft remain in Atlanta for the entirety of the 2025 NFL season?
Multiple teams have reached out to the Falcons about the possibility of trading for Pitts, per Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz. Atlanta would prefer to keep Pitts but would consider moving the 24-year-old for a Day 2 pick.
Pitts' production hasn't quite lived up to his top-five status. He recorded a 1,000-yard season as a rookie but hasn't eclipsed 667 yards in three seasons since. He has just 10 career receiving touchdowns, though he logged a career-high four in 2024, a season during which he logged 47 catches for 602 yards and graded as Pro Football Focus' 44th tight end among 74 qualifiers.
Given Pitts' youth – he won't turn 25 until October – and with his hyper-athletic 6-6 frame, several teams around the NFL could consider bringing the Florida product into the fold in hopes of tapping into his potential. Here's a look at the top landing spots if Atlanta decides to move Pitts.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert loves throwing to his tight ends, as 23% of the Chargers' 491 total targets last season went to players at the position. The Chargers have a couple of solid, veteran tight ends on the roster in Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin, but they could use a higher-ceiling player like Pitts to add upside to the room.
Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward thrived throwing to Elijah Arroyo – a 6-5, mismatch weapon – during his lone season at Miami. The Titans have similarly sized threats in Josh Whyle (6-6) and rookie Gunnar Helm (6-5) on the roster, but Pitts is more athletic than the duo of recent mid-round picks.
It's also worth noting new general manager Mike Borgonzi was not a part of the front office that selected Whyle or current starter Chig Okonkwo (6-3, 238 pounds). That could lead Tennessee to search for a veteran upgrade as it looks to support Ward during his rookie season.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are building around Drake Maye but don't have many proven weapons at the position. One way to mitigate those issues would be to run a lot of two-tight-end sets, something new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has done successfully throughout his career.
Pairing Pitts with Hunter Henry would give New England a dynamic tight end duo. The Patriots still have a league-high $67.3 million in cap space, per OverTheCap.com, so they could afford to absorb Pitts' deal and sign him to an extension.
Miami Dolphins
Here's another AFC East option for Pitts. The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly had trade discussions with the Dolphins surrounding veteran tight end Jonnu Smith. If Miami moves Smith, that would leave Pharaoh Brown and Julian Hill as the team's top options at the position. Pitts would provide a suitable replacement for Smith and would add much-needed size to a receiving corps that features the smaller-stature duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Denver Broncos
Sean Payton is always looking for players to operate in the "Joker" position on his offense. The role is designated for hybrid players who can create mismatches across the defense by lining up in various formations.
The Broncos already acquired one "Joker" in the offseason by signing tight end Evan Engram. Why not make it two by adding Pitts? It's easy to imagine him unlocking his full potential given how Payton was able to develop Jimmy Graham – perhaps Payton's most notable "Joker" – into an All-Pro talent.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles were able to keep Dallas Goedert for the 2025 NFL season despite rumors he could be traded. That said, he is set to turn 31 in January and will be a free agent following the season. Pitts' contract will expire after the season as well, but Howie Roseman could still target younger tight end as a potential successor for Goedert.