The Atlanta Falcons appear ready to make a splash on the trade market ahead of the new season. For the longest time, trade speculation centered on moving quarterback Kirk Cousins’ contract. However, Kyle Pitts is now emerging as the more likely candidate to be shipped out of Atlanta. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pitts could be open to a move if it means landing in an offense better suited to his strengths.
“I don't think it's a situation where [the Falcons] are aggressively shopping [Pitts],” Fowler said. “But it appears, talking to some other teams, they think Atlanta is at least open to the possibility and Pitts might be as well. I'm told he loves Atlanta, this is not a situation where he's requesting a trade, but if he has a chance to go to maybe a better offense where he's more featured.”
Sports Illustrated’s Mark Morales-Smith believes a potential blockbuster deal could involve Pitts heading to Miami in exchange for Dolphins star Tyreek Hill.
“Either way, this is his last season in Miami, so it could make sense to move on from him now and turn the WRs room over to Jaylen Waddle as the WR1. If head coach Mike McDaniel could do what he did with Smith last season, it's reasonable to believe that he could resurrect Pitts' career. Pitts was one of the best prospects at tight end to ever enter the league and posted a 1,000-yard season as a rookie before posting three straight disappointing seasons. Getting rid of Hill could be an addition by subtraction in the locker room and for their salary cap, while getting Pitts and a third-round pick are pieces they can use for the future,” Morales-Smith wrote.
Hill has remained committed to the Dolphins this offseason, but Miami is reportedly looking to unload large contracts. Hill certainly qualifies as a high-value cap hit. Pitts, on the other hand, would offer a younger and more durable option than Darren Waller, who hasn't played since retiring last season.
For Atlanta, adding Hill would give them yet another elite weapon at wide receiver, potentially making their offense one of the most dangerous in the league.
