One of the biggest storylines for the Atlanta Falcons this summer centers around disappointing tight end Kyle Pitts. After being selected with the fourth-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts has displayed promising moments, yet hasn't delivered on his draft capital.
OTAs have gotten off to a poor start for Pitts, who wasn't present for the first day of voluntary practice. As a result, trade speculation is ramping up for the talented 24-year-old playmaker.
In a surprise piece of news released on Friday, it sounds like the Falcons are officially listening to offers for the tight end. However, their asking price makes it clear that they have no intention of moving the former Florida star.
Falcons' Questionable Asking Price for Kyle Pitts Shows They Don't Want to Trade Him
As reported by Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, multiple teams have reached out to Atlanta regarding Pitts' potential availability. Per the report, the Falcons would prefer to keep Pitts, though it'd require at least a Day 2 draft pick to even spark serious discussions.
That means Atlanta is looking at a second or third-round selection to even get talks started. If that's the case, it's hard to see the organization moving him. Pitts is in the final year of his contract, and there's been limited progression on a theoretical extension, so all parties know that it's at least a growing possibility that he reaches free agency. Thus, it'd make little sense to give up such a critical draft pick unless you knew you were going to immediately extend him.
After putting up a 68-catch, 1,026-yard season in his rookie campaign en route to Pro Bowl honors, he hasn't notched more than 667 yards in his three years since. For someone with as much physical talent as anyone in the NFL at the position, the start to his career has been a massive disappointment.
Regardless, it's clear that Pitts still has plenty of upside. The Falcons might be using this moment to reduce his salary demands in an extension, but it doesn't feel like Atlanta is serious about moving him. When you imagine the best version of this offense, he's certainly part of it.
There's no obvious replacement for him, and the asking price could be considered unreasonable. As a result, fans shouldn't expect to see Pitts moved this summer.