ESPN predicts Falcons trading former first round pick to Bengals

The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for quite the offseason with plenty of questions surrounding their roster. Set to have 28 free agents in 2025 and a hefty $27.5 million owed to backup quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Falcons are also nearly $5.5 million over the salary cap heading into the next season, per Spotrac. Adjustments are inevitable, but one bold prediction could make things interesting.

ESPN's Ben Solak speculates that the Falcons could trade tight end Kyle Pitts during the offseason to free up cap space and improve the roster.

"Tight end Kyle Pitts is due $10.8 million on the final year of his deal in 2025," Solak wrote. "Can the Falcons get more for him in a trade than they would in a compensatory pick after he leaves in free agency? I think they could, as he has a rosier future on an offense that actually fits his skill set. My prediction: Pitts will get dealt to the Bengals for a Day 3 pick."

Pitts, once hailed as a generational talent, has struggled to meet expectations since being drafted fourth overall in 2021. Despite a promising rookie season with 68 receptions for 1,026 yards, the tight end’s production has dwindled. This season, Pitts has managed just 602 receiving yards, ranking 13th among tight ends and 66th among all players, according to The Athletic’s Josh Kendall.

“When you take a player that high, obviously you expect a certain level,” Falcons GM Terry Fontenot said. “We understand Kyle had a really good rookie year and it hasn’t equaled that since then. There are no excuses we’re making about it.”

For some Falcons fans, the idea of trading Pitts may sting, but others might welcome the move. A change of scenery could certainly benefit Pitts, especially if he lands in Cincinnati, where having the likes of Joe Burrow could rejuvenate his career.

On the other hand, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Pitts were just scratching the surface in 2024. Potentially trading away Pitts is just one of many major decisions the Falcons have to make this offseason.