The Atlanta Falcons are excited about the potential their team holds this season. Raheem Morris is entering his second year as the Falcons' head coach. He had a strong start to his tenure, as the team held a solid division lead early on. However, they lost that momentum by the end of the season and ultimately missed the playoffs.
Michael Penix Jr. is expected to be the Falcons’ most exciting player this season. While many are optimistic about his future, not everyone is convinced. Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald remains skeptical.
“I really wish they had held on to that first round pick. Really, we’re giving away the first round pick right now? I don’t know if he will be consistent enough to be good,” McDonald said.
At the tight end position, Kyle Pitts is entering the final year of his contract. While the Falcons are not actively shopping him, they are open to a trade if the right offer comes along.
“Multiple teams have reached out to the Falcons about the availability of TE Kyle Pitts.” While Schultz notes that “nothing is imminent” and Atlanta would still prefer to keep him, it would reportedly take “at least a Day 2 pick to even spark serious talks,” NFL Insider Jordan Schultz wrote.
One team potentially in the running for Pitts is the Pittsburgh Steelers. A trade would reunite Pitts with former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.
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“This feels like a desperate attempt to patch up a passing offense that's taken a hit after the trade of wide receiver George Pickens. And according to reports, Smith isn't the only player the Steelers are inquiring about. One of those other options might be Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts,” Steelers Wire’s Curt Popejoy wrote.
Smith appears to be the Steelers' primary target, but if they can’t land him, attention could shift quickly to Pitts. As Pitts enters a crucial contract year, this is his opportunity to prove his value. If the Steelers are aggressive, the Falcons could potentially secure a Day 2 pick in exchange for their former first-round selection.