ESPN Insider predicts Falcons could trade former first-rounder Kyle Pitts this upcoming postseason. According to Ben Solak, he believes the Falcons may trade Pitts to the Cincinnati Bengals since the tight end hasn’t been living up to expectations this past 2024 campaign. Pitts is due for $10.8 million in the last year of his contract so it’s no surprise the Falcons will probably trade him after becoming the subject of rumors before the midseason trade deadline. Solak thinks Pitts could reach a higher ceiling with the Bengals since they’ll likely have an open tight end group and with Tee Higgins likely leaving, the team needs another capable target for quarterback Joe Burrow.
However, Pitts should garner trade interest from a few NFL teams if the Falcons don’t desire to bring him back since head coach Raheem Morris has said he’s been an issue to this team’s production. Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Florida product earned his first Pro Bowl in his rookie season after finishing the campaign with 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and a touchdown. However, Pitts got increasingly worse the next two seasons since missing out on a few games due to an injury and a lack of effort.
Since the team is turning the page to Michael Penix Jr., it might make sense to give him some new capable receivers to succeed on the field. It didn’t pan out while veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was the starter before his bench, but his effort issues may trigger a trade sooner rather than later. A scenery change might increase Pitts’ love for the game so the Ravens, Chiefs may bring out the best in him.
ESPN Insider Predicts Falcons Could Trade Kyle Pitts – Chiefs, Ravens Possible Best Fits
Travis Kelce Possible Retirement
Superstar Quarterback Patrick Mahomes did not have one of the best seasons in recent memory after having several chemistry issues. However, it didn’t stop them from finding a way to win all of their games except losing to the Bills who they’re looking to seek revenge in this upcoming postseason. Mahomes needed a receiver and they got DeAndre Hopkins in a trade after losing Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice for the majority of the 2024 campaign. One of those targets that has had their share fair of issues is tight end Travis Kelce.
The veteran has been teasing his retirement as he keeps switching his mind about his NFL future. Kelce admits there has been a lack of chemistry but he and Mahomes have found a way to figure it out in time for the playoffs. However, Kelce is aging and since he’ll be looking to retire soon, it might be safe to bring in a flier like Kyle Pitts. He’s a young option the team could use as a reliable target to be a chain move for the time being until they find a capable tight end from this year’s draft.
Goodbye Mark Andrews?
The Baltimore Ravens 2024 season comes to a close heartbreakingly after tight end Mark Andrews dropped a crucial pass to tie it up. Before that, Andrews found himself falling down the depth chart behind Isaiah Likely. The veteran didn’t get the majority of the start since with age, he’s been struggling to keep up with the rest of the team.
However, the Ravens couldn’t sign a capable receiver since releasing Odell Beckham Jr., despite trading for Diontae Johnson. The experiment didn’t work out and even if they have him back on the team, he’ll be a free agent in March. Perhaps, they could trade Mark Andrews and bring in another tight end with a younger upside like Pitts to accommodate Likely.
The post ESPN Insider Predicts Falcons Could Trade Former First Rounder – Chiefs, Ravens Possible Best Fits appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.