The New England Patriots already have a solid tight end in Hunter Henry, but their offense could use some more juice.
Fox Sports’ Greg Auman predicted the Patriots would sign a new tight end this offseason: Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts.
“Pitts, 25, stepped up in a contract year with 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns — his touchdown total has increased every year — 1-2-3-4-5 in five seasons,” wrote Auman. “Was that success more telling of Atlanta’s absence of any real receiving depth? He’ll be the top tight end available, which should get him $12–14 million a year, though the Falcons could hedge their bet and give him the franchise tag, which is $16 million for one season.”
Pitts was the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He is the highest drafted tight end of all time, and was a Pro Bowler and 1,000-yard receiver as a rookie. His rookie season was the only year he had Matt Ryan. Since then, the Falcons have not had good quarterback play. However, the Patriots have their franchise quarterback.
Last season was a little bit better, in terms of quarterback play for the Falcons, but still not great. However, Pitts had his best season since he was a rookie, and the Falcons finally started using him more. He had 118 targets and 928 yards. He had 400 yards after the catch.
Story continues below advertisement
His 40 yards after catch were more than any player on the Patriots. Pitts is extremely athletic for a tight end, and could be a problem for opposing defenses with Drake Maye throwing him the ball.
He was a Second-Team All-Pro last season, and his presence would create better looks for other pass catchers on the team. Henry has an $11.7 million cap hit next season, and the Patriots could save over $9 million by releasing or trading him. Replacing him with Pitts could be a great move.