Under general manager Ian Cunningham, the Atlanta Falcons are open for business. The Falcons’ new front-office executive praised Kyle Pitts Sr., though he also made comments that fueled trade speculation.
While talking to reporters at the annual owner meetings, Cunningham said he’ll listen to offers for the Pro Bowl tight end.
“It’s my job as the general manager to do what’s best for the organization,” Cunningham said. “Kyle is a great player. We’ve seen his skill set. Also, it’s my job to listen. We’re excited to have Kyle. We’re excited for his future.”
Based on head coach Kevin Stefanski’s strong history with pass-catching tight ends like David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr., the Falcons would probably prefer to keep Pitts around for the long term.
However, Atlanta is headed in a new direction, led by Cunningham and its new president of football, Matt Ryan. Team brass franchise-tagged Pitts instead of signing him to a multiyear extension, which opens a window for potential trade suitors to make offers for the star tight end who caught 88 passes for 928 yards and a career-high five touchdowns last season.
If the Falcons move on from Pitts, they could find a cheaper replacement in the upcoming draft, while another team acquires significant help for its quarterback.
Here are five clubs that could look to acquire Pitts and sign him to a massive extension.