The New York Giants have every reason to explore a trade for Atlanta Falcons star tight end Kyle Pitts in 2026.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano lists Pitts as an early candidate to be dealt before the NFL trade deadline in November, making him a player deserving of the Giants’ attention.

Atlanta is in extension mode at the moment. Top wide receiver Drake London signed a four-year, $141 million deal. Sources say the team is also engaged with the agents for star running back Bijan Robinson about a massive extension. Pitts could be part of that plan, too, but he’s scheduled to play on a $15.045 million franchise tag if an extension isn’t done before July 15. He’s coming off an 88-catch, 928-yard and five-touchdown season, but the previous four campaigns were spotted with inconsistent health and production.

The Falcons, particularly with a new coaching staff and front office, might want to see how he fits in their new offense before committing long term. If they don’t get him extended by July 15, and that rankles him and/or they struggle early in the season, teams will come asking about the availability of the uber-talented former top-10 pick, who doesn’t turn 26 until October. Baltimore lost a pair of tight ends — Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar — in free agency and could be looking for the kind of offense Pitts can generate.

Pitts is the ideal type of tight end for the modern NFL. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound athlete recorded 928 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2025. He is a former 1,000-yard receiver, having posted 1,026 yards as a rookie in 2021. Pitts excels at running precise routes and possesses the ability to make catches and gain yards after contact like a wide receiver.

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The Giants added Isaiah Likely to their tight end room this offseason and have a revamped receiving corps intact for next season. Still, Pitts possesses the talent to form a prolific tandem in New York alongside Likely and star wide receiver Malik Nabers in 2026.

Between now and the NFL trade deadline in November, the Giants could have several players who prove valuable on the trade market as they pursue a deal for Pitts. The Falcons are in need of a secondary wide receiver, which could make Giants players such as Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt attractive pieces in a potential package.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Could Kyle Pitts become a mid-season trade target for New York Giants?