Since his rookie campaign, Kyle Pitts hasn’t produced at the level most everyone expected for the Falcons.
Pitts had a record-breaking introduction to the league, nearly breaking the rookie tight end record set by Mike Ditka en route to a Pro Bowl. He justified the lofty draft status, but the Falcons’ inconsistent quarterback play and run heavy offense limited Pitts’ impact in 2022.
He only put up 356 yards and two touchdowns on 28 catches as Marcus Mariota regularly missed the freak of nature target while Arthur Smith consistently took the ball out of his quarterback’s hands. Eventually, Pitts suffered a season-ending knee injury. It was a devastating end to a disappointing season.
Entering 2023, many expected a bounce back campaign. The Falcons new-look offense was going to be a mesh between the pass heavy 2021 version with Matt Ryan and the run heavy 2022 version with Marcus Mariota. Bijan Robinson and Jonnu Smith also joined the group; there was palpable excitement about what they could do.
However, it’s been rough sledding for the highest draft tight end in league history and the offense as a whole through three games. Pitts has only logged nine receptions for 100 yards, averaging three catches for 33.3 yards per contest. That’s not exactly what you want from your 4th overall pick.
That lack of production has prompted some media pundits to voice their displeasure with Arthur Smith, Desmond Ridder, and the Falcons. They’ve even suggested a Kyle Pitts trade should be on the table.
It was always asinine to even suggest something like that, but thanks to Jane Slater, we have a tangible report confirming that it is, in fact, ludicrous to think the Falcons would even entertain a Kyle Pitts trade right now.
The Cowboys are always looking to bolster their offense, so when I heard a show say Dallas should call Atlanta to see if Kyle Pitts is available, I checked into it.
A source with the Falcons’ answer when I asked “LOL. No way.”— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 26, 2023
“LOL. No way” is a hilarious reaction from a source within the organization. Don’t expect the Falcons to trade Kyle Pitts anytime soon, or even entertain that possibility.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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