Kyle Pitts has been one of the most puzzling players in the NFL since arriving with enormous expectations.
The 24-year-old tight end was selected fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons — the highest-drafted tight end in league history. But four years into his career, Pitts’ production has fallen well short of the hype. He’s totaled just 2,651 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, and the inconsistency has fueled growing speculation about his future in Atlanta.
Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, the Falcons exercised his fifth-year option for 2025. While Atlanta has continued to publicly support Pitts, the reality is the team has received multiple trade inquiries, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Schultz reported that while nothing is imminent, it would take at least a Day 2 pick to “spark serious talks” about moving Pitts.
That’s opened the door for speculation — including a potential fit with the Dallas Cowboys.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin connected the dots recently, citing Dallas’ $30 million in cap space and the team’s clear win-now approach after acquiring wideout George Pickens in May.
“Jerry Jones stayed quiet for much of the offseason, only to roar back to form with the George Pickens trade in May,” Benjamin wrote. “If we're collecting malcontents to maximize Dak Prescott's chances of getting the 'Boys back in the dance under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, then why not add Pitts as well? The Cowboys could use a more dynamic complement to holdover Jake Ferguson at tight end, and they've still got $30 million to spare.”
Benjamin also pointed out that Cowboys star Micah Parsons’ brother, Terrence Parsons Jr., has already endorsed the move: “Imagine Jerry trading a 2nd round pick for Pitts we in the bowl,” he posted on X.
Would a second-rounder be too high for Pitts? Given his underwhelming production and looming contract decision, it’s a fair question.
While Pitts has shown flashes — including a 1,000-yard rookie season — his market value has cooled significantly. That would mean a new team would need to weigh a future extension carefully. Especially one like Dallas, which is already financially tied to stars like Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and potentially Parsons with a long-term megadeal.
Still, the upside remains. A fresh start, in a creative offense, with a top-tier quarterback like Prescott, could be the spark Pitts needs to revive his career.
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