Atlanta Falcons, Kyle Pitts
Getty
Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts.
Ian Cunningham’s first big decision as Atlanta Falcons general manager was what to do with tight end Kyle Pitts. He had the option to let him walk, hit free agency or place the franchise tag on him.
Cunningham chose the latter.
It was an unusual move for the Falcons, who rarely use the franchise tag. But this also isn’t the same regime in Atlanta anymore.
Franchise tagging Pitts for $15 million in 2026 would seemingly indicate a wait-and-see year, but Cunningham’s recent comments at the NFL Annual Meetings may suggest otherwise.
“It’s my job as the general manager to do what’s best for the organization,” Cunningham said. “Kyle is a great player. We’ve seen his skill set. Also, it’s my job to listen. We’re excited to have Kyle. We’re excited for his future.”
That would indicate the Falcons could be willing to trade the former first-round pick. But where could Pitts land?
Broncos Emerge as Potential Trade Fit for Kyle Pitts
If Pitts really is available, there’s a good chance several teams are already making calls to Atlanta. One of those teams — who have been extremely aggressive this offseason — could be the Denver Broncos, according to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton.
The Broncos have already traded with the Miami Dolphins for Jaylen Waddle, but they could still look to upgrade at tight end with Pitts.
“Entering his age-32 campaign, Evan Engram isn’t the long-term starter at tight end in Denver. At this stage in his career, he’s a serviceable pass-catcher but lacks a presence in the red zone. The nine-year pro has one touchdown reception in back-to-back seasons,” Moton wrote.
Engram’s first year in Denver saw him record 50 catches for 461 yards and just one touchdown.
“Pitts has struggled to find the end zone in his first five seasons with the Falcons, but his touchdown production is slowly trending in the right direction. Every year in the league, he’s upped his season scoring total by one.
“Perhaps Broncos offensive-minded head coach Sean Payton can unlock Pitts’ full potential in a revamped offense.”
Falcons Face Tough Decision on Kyle Pitts’ Future
Sean Payton has shown he can maximize offensive talent — especially at tight end. Just look at what he did with Jimmy Graham.
If Pitts is truly hitting his stride, there may not be a better time to pair him with that kind of system, especially with the Broncos believing their Super Bowl window is opening.
As mentioned, Pitts has increased his touchdown total every season. He still hasn’t matched his 1,000-yard rookie season, but he came close last year with 928.
That’s the level of production the Falcons have been waiting on since taking him No. 4 overall.
And that’s why, especially now with Kevin Stefanski as head coach, moving Pitts may not make sense.
Stefanski has a history of heavily involving tight ends in his offense. Just look at his work with David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. with the Cleveland Browns.
Then again, if the Falcons can get serious draft capital in return, it might be the smartest move for the future.