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A proposed trade that would send star tight end Kyle Pitts from the Falcons to the Chiefs highlights Atlanta’s willingness to move on from high draft picks.Kansas City Today
The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly considering trading star tight end Kyle Pitts to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick. The Falcons have struggled to maximize Pitts’ potential since drafting him fourth overall in 2021, and the team may be looking to recoup valuable draft capital by moving on from the talented but inconsistent player.
Why it matters
The potential Pitts trade would be a significant move for both teams. For the Falcons, it would allow them to acquire much-needed draft picks as they look to rebuild their roster. For the Chiefs, adding Pitts would give them an elite pass-catching threat to complement their already potent offense led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The details
According to the report, the Falcons are considering the trade proposal because they are hesitant to sign Pitts to a long-term, high-value contract extension after his first three NFL seasons. While Pitts has put up solid numbers, the team may feel they have already seen his ceiling and that moving him for draft capital is the better long-term play. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are known to covet talented tight ends, and Pitts would provide a significant upgrade over their current options at the position.
The Falcons drafted Kyle Pitts with the 4th overall pick in 2021.Pitts is currently set to play the 2026 season on his rookie contract, which has a $15 million cap hit.
The players
Kyle Pitts
A 24-year-old tight end who was drafted 4th overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. He has put up solid but not elite production in his first three NFL seasons.
Ian Cunningham
The general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, who is known to prioritize acquiring additional draft picks.
Andy Reid
The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is renowned for his ability to maximize the talents of his offensive players.
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What they’re saying
“The deal may be interesting because Stefanski loves his tight ends. However, the Falcons are paying Pitts $15 million for one year of football. Sure, he can re-sign, but he can also head elsewhere post-2026 for a big, long-term deal. There is risk present here, and it can be offloaded for a long-term profit that the Falcons will need.”
— Thomas Carelli, Fantasy Sports Writer
What’s next
If the Falcons and Chiefs agree to the trade, the next step would be for the teams to officially complete the deal, likely during the 2026 NFL offseason. The Falcons would then have additional draft capital to work with as they look to rebuild their roster, while the Chiefs would add a dynamic pass-catching threat to their offense.
The takeaway
This potential trade highlights the Falcons’ willingness to move on from high draft picks if they don’t believe the player will live up to their lofty draft position. While Pitts has shown flashes of brilliance, the team may feel they can get better long-term value by trading him for multiple draft picks. For the Chiefs, adding a talent like Pitts could give their offense an even higher ceiling as they look to remain among the NFL’s elite teams.