Foxborough, MA – April 15, 2025
The New England Patriots are being urged by multiple analysts to pursue Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, a former top-five pick, in what could be a high-upside move to help accelerate Drake Maye’s development in Year 2.
With Hunter Henry entering free agency and Mike Gesicki long gone, the Patriots lack a true pass-catching tight end — a position that has traditionally fueled their most successful offenses, dating back to the Rob Gronkowski era.
According to NFL insiders, New England is considering flipping one of its early Day 2 picks in 2025, paired with a future conditional pick, to acquire Pitts, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal after Atlanta exercised his fifth-year option ($10.8 million).
“Pitts is a freak talent who needs a reboot — and the Patriots need weapons,” one AFC scout told FanHub.
“It’s a win-win.”
📉 From Top-5 Pick to Trade Bait
Drafted 4th overall in 2021, Pitts set the league on fire as a rookie:
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68 receptions,
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1,026 yards,
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1 Pro Bowl appearance.
Since then, he’s averaged just 42 catches, 541 yards, 3 TDs per season — due largely to poor quarterback play and an inconsistent Falcons offense. Despite that, he remains one of the league’s most athletic mismatch nightmares at 6’6″, 250 lbs.
NFL Draft expert Lance Zierlein once compared Pitts’ physical traits to Calvin Johnson and Tyreek Hill — calling him a “potential game-changer” on par with Trevor Lawrence in the 2021 class.
💰 Contract Fit and Patriots’ Draft Capital
Pitts has just one year left on his deal, but the Patriots hold 11 picks in 2025, including multiple top-75 selections. The price tag? Likely a 3rd-rounder and a conditional 4th.
If Pitts shines in Foxborough, New England can either extend him — or let him walk and recoup a comp pick.
“You want Maye to grow fast? Give him a safety blanket like Pitts,” one NFL executive said.
🧩 Final Verdict
A bold trade for Pitts won’t fix all of New England’s offensive problems — but it’s a swing worth taking.
“The Patriots don’t need perfection — they need playmakers. Pitts might just be the jolt this offense craves.”
