The Atlanta Falcons have had no shortage of storylines throughout OTAs so far.
Kirk Cousins has been notably absent, further fueling trade speculation, while last year’s No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr. is emerging as a vocal leader on the field.
Another notable absence has been tight end Kyle Pitts. Unlike Cousins, Pitts has attended OTAs but has been kept on the sideline.
Early speculation pointed to Pitts sitting out due to entering the final year of his rookie contract. That theory was quickly dismissed this week by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“While there has been speculation about his future in Atlanta, Falcons TE Kyle Pitts hasn’t been practicing at OTAs due to a strained muscle in his foot, per source,” Schefter reported.
However, former Falcons quarterback Kurt Benkert isn’t exactly convinced that it’s just an injury.
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“They do this right before they trade you. He’s gone imo,” Benkert posted on X.
Benkert, who joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2018, became a journeyman during his five-year career. He spent time on multiple practice squads — including stints with the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and later the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL.
That experience gives Benkert at least some insight into how teams handle players behind the scenes.
Pitts has been a hot topic in recent weeks. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report that multiple teams had reached out to the Falcons regarding a potential trade. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler later confirmed that “Atlanta is at least open to the possibility” of dealing the former No. 4 overall pick.
While Benkert’s take is pure speculation, the timing of Pitts’ absence certainly adds another layer of intrigue to the Falcons’ offseason.