The Kansas City Chiefs appear to have turned a corner in recent weeks, thanks in large part to the return of their offensive playmakers. But Andy Reid and company could be looking to add even more firepower before they make their playoff push, and Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts could be on their radar ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
Will Kyle Pitts Find A New NFL Home This Season?
Highly touted out of college, Pitts was drafted 4th overall by Atlanta in 2021. Aside from his 1,000-yard Pro Bowl rookie season, he has been mostly a disappointment, with just 11 career touchdowns in his four-plus years in the league. He has been better so far this year, averaging more receiving yards per game than any of the previous three seasons, though he has only found the end zone one time.
Trade rumors have followed Kyle Pitts for the past couple of seasons. And with the Falcons sitting at 3-4 and having hopes of contending in 2025, they may choose to keep their offense intact. But Pitt’s contract is set to expire at the end of the year, and they could attempt to get some value to him. If they do make him available, the Chiefs could be one of the first teams to call with an offer.
Pitts Could Be In The Long-Term Plans In Kansas City
Pitts wouldn’t only provide more firepower this season, but instead would be in Kansas City’s long term plans. Travis Kelce hasn’t announced any retirement plans, but the team’s current tight end is certainly near the close of his Hall of Fame NFL career. The Chiefs would likely see Pitts as his successor, at least for a few seasons.
As far as the remainder of 2025 goes, Kelce would of course remain as the team’s featured tight end. But Pitts has wide receiver-like traits that give him the ability to play all over the field, and who better than Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes to get the most out of his talents?
Why the Jacksonville Jaguars Make Sense for Kyle Pitts
The Jaguars don’t have a tight end they can rely on in the passing game since Evan Engram left. The current group gives them bodies, but not a matchup piece or someone who consistently threatens the middle of the field. Kyle Pitts fixes that immediately.
Liam Coen’s offense is built around spacing and creating easy reads for Trevor Lawrence, and Pitts works cleanly as a big-slot option who can run crossers, seams, and option routes without needing to live inline. He gives Jacksonville a real third-down and red-zone weapon instead of another rotation tight end who blocks and spot-routes.
What Atlanta Would Want For Kyle Pitts in a Trade
Atlanta isn’t giving Pitts away. They’d want a pick that reflects upside, not just expiring-contract value.
- If traded to Kansas City: Likely a 5th-round pick (KC has two). Atlanta might push for a conditional 4th based on playing time/production, but a 5th is the realistic starting point.
- If traded to Jacksonville: Jacksonville’s likely cost is a 4th-round pick, since their pick is projected earlier in the round and they have clearer usage upside for him. Atlanta would view that as better value than KC’s late 5th.
Atlanta’s leverage is limited because Pitts is in a contract year, but they’ll still want a pick that gives them a legitimate shot at a contributing player, not just a throwaway late-rounder.
