Kyle Pitts Trade Not Ruled Out by Falcons GM amid Contract Talks After Franchise Tag

Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham didn't completely close the door on a trade involving tight end Kyle Pitts after the team placed the franchise tag on him.

"It's my job as the general manager to do what's best for the organization," Cunningham said, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic (h/t Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk). "Kyle is a great player. We've seen his skill set. Also, it's my job to listen. We're excited to have Kyle. We're excited for his future."

The Falcons placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pitts on Feb. 24, although NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that both sides hoped to work out a long-term deal rather than have him play on the tag.

If a contract agreement can't be reached, it's understandable that Atlanta could field trade offers for the 25-year-old instead of watching him potentially leave as a free agent in 2027.

The Falcons selected Pitts with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft and he immediately excelled as a rookie, hauling in 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one touchdown.

He struggled to build upon his impressive inaugural season, though. Pitts caught 128 passes for 1,625 yards over his next three years combined.

The former Florida standout seemed to be getting back on track during his 2025 campaign, reeling in 88 catches for 928 yards and five scores. He earned a Second Team All-Pro nod for his efforts.

Pitts and the Falcons have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension.