Since being drafted No. 4 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft, Kyle Pitts hasn’t quite lived up to the sky-high expectations that followed him out of Florida.
But the blame doesn’t fall squarely on Pitts. His usage has been a frequent point of frustration among fans and analysts alike, with many questioning why one of the most gifted tight end prospects in recent memory hasn’t become a bigger focal point in Atlanta’s offense.
After a truly special rookie season where he topped 1,000 receiving yards, Pitts’ role has only shrunk in the years since. In 2024, the target share was dominated by Drake London, and even No. 2 receiver Darnell Mooney saw more consistent involvement than Pitts.
The Falcons ranked as the NFL’s ninth most run-heavy offense in 2024, leaning heavily on Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Between playing in one of the league’s most run-heavy offense schemes and competing for limited targets when they do throw the ball, there simply hasn’t been much opportunity for Pitts to shine.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently highlighted Pitts as one of the top players who could potentially be on the trade block this offseason.
“In late May, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported "multiple teams" have reached out to gauge Pitts' availability, but the Falcons "prefer" to keep the 24-year-old,” wrote Knox. “The Falcons could also save $10.9 million in cap space by trading the 2021 No. 4 overall pick. That's noteworthy since they're currently just $5.3 million below the cap."
It’s highly unlikely that the Falcons would willingly send Pitts to the Buccaneers, their biggest obstacle in the NFC South. But with Pitts entering the final year of his rookie contract and trade rumors beginning to swirl, it’s fun to ponder adding Pitts to the Buccaneers’ high-powered offense.
Trading for Kyle Pitts would give Buccaneers the most loaded offense in the NFL
The Buccaneers know better than anyone what Kyle Pitts is capable of. In two games against Tampa Bay last season, he totaled 11 receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
To be clear, the Bucs already have a tight end who posted nearly identical numbers to Pitts in 2023. Cade Otton finished the year with 600 receiving yards and four touchdowns, matching Pitts to a tee.
This isn’t an argument for moving on from Otton or phasing him out of the offense. But frankly, Pitts is a more dynamic talent with a higher ceiling. If Tampa Bay were to pursue him, the two could complement each other and create mismatch nightmares for opposing defenses, especially in two-tight end sets.
That formation, known as 12 personnel, was a staple of the Buccaneers’ offense during the Tom Brady era when the team had Rob Gronkowski to pair alongside O.J. Howard or Cameron Brate. It would be intriguing to see the 12 personnel reemerge in Tampa Bay with an upgrade to their current tight end room.
Behind Otton, Tampa Bay’s tight end depth includes Payne Durham, Devin Culp, and Ko Kieft, three late-round picks with potential but relatively modest ceilings. Pitts would immediately elevate the room and give the Bucs another weapon in an offense already loaded with playmakers.
Again, Atlanta trading a dynamic weapon to a divisional rival is highly unrealistic. As is Jason Licht parting with his highly-valued draft picks to acquire a player who is entering free agency after the season, especially when he already has such a deep group of offensive weapons.
But it’s that time of the offseason where no stone is left unturned, and the prospect of upgrading the offense for Baker Mayfield while simultaneously weakening the Falcons is a fun one to explore.
More Tampa Bay Buccaneers news and rumors