The Dallas Cowboys are poised to bolster their offensive arsenal for quarterback Dak Prescott, with trade rumors swirling around a potential blockbuster move for Atlanta Falcons’ tight end Kyle Pitts. The Cowboys’ pursuit of a new pass-catching weapon comes as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing third-place finish in the NFC East during the 2024 season, a division won by their arch-rivals, the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
A Shifting Tight End Market
The tight end market has been shaken up recently, with the Miami Dolphins making waves by coaxing Darren Waller out of retirement. Waller, a former standout with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, retired in June 2024 after a health scare. Now 33, his unexpected return to the NFL with Miami has filled the void left by Jonnu Smith, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a blockbuster deal that also saw All-Pro safeties Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick swapped.
Smith, who recorded a career-best 884 receiving yards in Miami’s 8-9 campaign last season, left the Dolphins in need of a tight end. While many expected the Falcons’ Kyle Pitts to be a prime candidate to replace Smith, Miami’s acquisition of Waller has shifted the landscape, leaving Pitts available and the Cowboys in prime position to capitalize.
Why Kyle Pitts to Dallas Makes Sense
The Cowboys have been linked to Pitts for some time, with trade speculation intensifying after NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported in May 2025 that the Falcons had received offers for the 24-year-old tight end. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler further fueled the rumors, noting that while Atlanta isn’t aggressively shopping Pitts, they appear open to discussions, and other teams believe Pitts might be receptive to a move.
Pitts, drafted fourth overall in 2021, has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency under former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. In 2024, he recorded 602 receiving yards, ranking 13th among tight ends, a far cry from the expectations set for the highly-touted prospect. Despite this, his athleticism and potential make him an enticing target for Dallas, who are desperate to provide Prescott with more reliable weapons.
The Cowboys’ current tight end, Jake Ferguson, is a solid blocker but managed only 494 yards without a touchdown last season. Backup Luke Schoonmaker, a 2023 second-round pick, has been underwhelming, catching just 35 passes from 51 targets in two seasons. Beyond star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and newly-acquired George Pickens (traded from Pittsburgh for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick), Dallas’ receiving corps—Jalen Tolbert (610 yards), Jonathan Mingo (147 yards), and Jalen Brooks (177 yards)—lacks the firepower needed to compete with the NFL’s elite.
A Viral Push for Pitts
The idea of Pitts joining the Cowboys has garnered significant support from fans and former players alike. In 2023, Cowboys legend Dez Bryant went viral on social media, posting a screenshot of Pitts open on the field with the caption: “Get @kylepitts__ to Dallas please!!! This is unacceptable!!! He deserves better.” More recently, Terrence Parsons, brother of Cowboys star Micah Parsons, added to the buzz by tweeting: “Imagine Jerry trading a 2nd round pick for Pitts we in the bowl.”
CBS Sports has also named Dallas as one of three potential landing spots for Pitts, alongside the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants. However, the Cowboys’ significant cap space gives them a financial edge, allowing them to offer a more attractive package as they aim to return to the playoffs in 2025.
A Bold Gamble for Dallas
Under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys are looking to make a statement. Acquiring Pitts would be a bold gamble, adding a dynamic playmaker to an offense that needs a spark. Pitts’ combination of size, speed, and route-running ability could complement Lamb and Pickens, giving Prescott a trio of targets capable of stretching defenses and opening up the playbook.
While the Falcons’ asking price for Pitts remains unclear, Dallas owner Jerry Jones has never shied away from big moves. With Miami out of the picture for Pitts, the Cowboys face one less hurdle in their pursuit of the young tight end. If Jones can pull off this trade, opponents across the NFC will need to take notice—Dak Prescott could soon have a new weapon that transforms Dallas into a legitimate contender.
Opponents Beware
The Cowboys’ potential acquisition of Kyle Pitts signals their intent to reload and challenge for the NFC East crown in 2025. With Prescott under center, Lamb as the focal point of the passing game, and Pitts as a potential game-changer at tight end, Dallas could boast one of the most dangerous offenses in the league. As trade talks heat up, the rest of the NFL is on notice: the Cowboys are coming, and they’re not holding back.