Kyle Pitts' time with the Atlanta Falcons might be coming to an end.
The former No. 8 overall pick is slated to hit free agency this offseason and ESPN's NFL insider Dan Graziano doesn't envision him returning to Atlanta.
Graziano points to Atlanta's need to extend star wide receiver Drake London and Pitts' entire body of work as reasons why the Falcons won't bring him back.
"He came on strong at the end of his fourth season with the team, finishing with 928 receiving yards. But with top wide receiver Drake London extension-eligible, I don't see the Falcons handing out top tight end money to a player who hasn't been consistently healthy or consistently great since after his rookie season," he said.
The part about Pitts not staying consistently healthy is a bit odd considering he has played in 17 games in four of his five seasons in the NFL, but we digress.
Pitts came on strong over the final handful of weeks and was very impressive, but that doesn't erase the fact that he was extremely disappointing in the two seasons prior.
Despite that, Pitts is going to be seeking top-of-the-market money in free agency, but his sample size of elite play just isn't big enough to warrant that from Atlanta, or really any team, for that matter.
If his market doesn't end up being good and the Falcons can get him for cheaper than expected, maybe he comes back.
Assuming Pitts doesn't come back to Atlanta, the Falcons have a lot of work to do when it comes to their pass-catchers, as they need more support for London and Michael Penix Jr., or whoever is playing quarterback in 2026.
Not only does Atlanta have to replace Pitts' production, but Darnell Mooney was a massive disappointment and it's not crazy to think he could get cut. A post-June 1 release would incur a dead-cap hit of $6.4 million while saving $11.9 million.
Look for the Falcons to add at least one pass-catcher in the draft, and another in free agency.
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