The New England Patriots could lose Austin Hooper in free agency this offseason and Hunter Henry next offseason. Given that, they could be interested in tight ends in free agency and the draft.
Kyle Pitts was a potential target for the Patriots. He not only would have replaced Hooper, but he would have made Henry the No. 2 tight end and been a potential star for the Patriots for years to come. However, the Atlanta Falcons are planning on franchise tagging him, keeping him off the open market, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
"The (Falcons) are planning to franchise tag standout TE Kyle Pitts, sources say, keeping their playmaker in the fold on a 1-year, fully guaranteed deal worth more than $15M," Rapoport wrote on Monday. "The hope is to work out a long-term deal rather than the tag. The two sides have until July to do it."
Pitts had 928 yards and five touchdowns last season. He would have filled the Patriots' need at tight end and also their need for an explosive playmaker. He had 400 yards after catch last season, which was more than any Patriots pass catcher. He has managed to be a solid player despite poor quarterback play in Atlanta.
Last season, the Falcons started targeting him at a high clip like they did when he was a rookie. He had 118 targets and 88 receptions. The best quarterback play he had in his career was when he was a rookie with Matt Ryan as his quarterback. He was a Pro Bowler that season.
Pitts would have been a great addition to the Patriots, giving Drake Maye a dynamic weapon. Pitts is a matchup nightmare, and Josh McDaniels could have helped him reach his full potential. However, now, if the Patriots want him, they will have to wait a year or make a trade.
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