Bleacher Report proposes Falcons trade Kyle Pitts for All-Pro defensive tackle in three-team deal
The Atlanta Falcons made a few necessary changes to their defense, but it may take some time for the new pieces to come together. Veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is in Chicago after spending the first decade of his career in Atlanta.
While the Falcons made a few modest signings in free agency, Jarrett is still a big loss for this defensive line. However, Bleacher Report proposed a solution in a hypothetical trade involving the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals.
The proposed three-team deal would see the Falcons send tight end Kyle Pitts to the Bengals while acquiring All-Pro defensive lineman DeForest Buckner from the Colts. Indianapolis would get Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson in return.
“Indianapolis can ship Buckner to the Atlanta Falcons, who have looked to drastically reset their defensive front this offseason,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski. “The nine-year veteran can serve as the anchor to a group that will now feature first-rounders Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. flying off the edges. Buckner’s ability to defend the run and collapse the pocket should be highly beneficial for those rookies.”
Buckner, 31, is a former first-round pick and three-time Pro Bowler. At 6-foot-7, 295 pounds, he’s a tough matchup for any offensive lineman. Buckner has racked up 605 tackles (356 solo) and 67.5 sacks over nine NFL seasons. The veteran would also give Atlanta more versatility up front.
The Falcons would in turn send Pitts to Cincinnati where he would join an elite offense. The Bengals already have an explosive unit led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Pitts would have a chance to get his career back on track before he enters free agency.
“Pitts working in the same offense as Chase and Higgins to open up the middle of the field with Burrow throwing to him can be downright deadly, thus making the Bengals even more potent,” explained Sobleski.
While Pitts may benefit from a fresh start, there may not be a long-term fit for him in Cincinnati. The Bengals have a ton of cap space invested in Burrow, Higgins and Chase and aren’t exactly known for their willingness to pay players. Even though they have cap space, the Bengals haven’t been eager to pay Hendrickson, despite his impressive production.
Aside from the long-term uncertainty, you could also argue that Pitts would find himself in the same situation in Cincinnati. He would essentially be playing on a team where he’s the third or fourth option.
The Falcons have received calls on Pitts’ availability but haven’t been willing to part with him just yet. Perhaps second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. can bring out the best in the former top-five pick this season.