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Kyle Pitts has signed his $15 million franchise tag with the Falcons

The biggest question surrounding the Atlanta Falcons during draft week is whether they will trade Kyle Pitts or choose to hold onto him. Pitts, coming off perhaps his best NFL season, agreed to sign the franchise tag for $15 million. It’s the first time in nearly 7 years that a Falcons player has been handed the franchise tag, but Pitts likely wants to sign a long-term deal.

Per ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Kyle Pitts is starting to emerge as a potential trade candidate ahead of the NFL draft, which begins Thursday. Schefter wrote: “Watch to see if the Falcons can find a trade partner for Kyle Pitts, who they’re open to dealing.”

Pitts has the potential to become one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Could the Denver Broncos be a realistic suitor? And what would the Falcons gain in return for Pitts in a deal?

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Should the Falcons Trade Kyle Pitts to the Denver Broncos?

GettyThe Falcons will place the franchise tag on star tight end Kyle Pitts ahead of free agency

In this trade idea, curated by Heavy Sports, the Falcons trade Kyle Pitts to the Denver Broncos in exchange for pick No. 62 in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Look, the Broncos may be very eager to acquire a tight end, and if they don’t feel comfortable with an option in the draft (given they have a late-round pick), Denver might be more than willing to part ways with their second-round pick if it means they would acquire a true pass-catching threat at the tight end position like Kyle Pitts.

Pitts is coming off one of the best seasons in his five-year NFL career, hauling in 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns. Pitts is starting to emerge as a real threat in the endzone, which increases his value tremendously.

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Kyle Pitts Tenure with the Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Kyle Pitts in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft with their fourth overall pick.

He’s started 72 of his 78 games played in his career.

In those 78 games, Pitts has 284 career receptions with 3579 total receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns.

As mentioned, 2025 might have been the best season of his career, given the fact he was able to find the endzone more frequently. Since his rookie season in 2025, Pitts has increased his touchdown total by exactly one in each season. (1 in 2021, 2 in 2022, 3 in 2023, 4 in 2024).

So, will the Falcons decide to trade Kyle Pitts? And are the Denver Broncos a good fit?

Very notably, the Falcons don’t have a first-round draft pick. So, making this trade would give them two second-round picks on Friday and the chance to upgrade at a premier position on both sides of the ball.

Heavy on Sports has all the latest news and updates ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft!

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