As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are stealing the spotlight with rumors of a blockbuster trade to acquire talented tight end Kyle Pitts from the Atlanta Falcons. This move is not only seen as a strategic step to bolster the Cowboys’ offense but also an opportunity to “fix” the Falcons’ mishandling of Pitts, a rival in the NFC conference.
Trade Background
Kyle Pitts, selected 4th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, was one of the most highly touted tight ends in league history. Standing at 6’6″ with impressive speed (4.4-second 40-yard dash) and exceptional receiving skills, Pitts was dubbed a “unicorn” in football. In his rookie season, he made an impact with 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and 1 touchdown, earning a Pro Bowl nod. However, in subsequent seasons, Pitts struggled to maintain his peak performance, partly due to instability at the quarterback position in Atlanta and suboptimal usage in the Falcons’ offensive scheme.
But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea that merits consideration.
First, to his misuse …
In 2024, Pitts was deployed more as a boundary receiver than as a position-less mismatch. His alignments were telling:
• Out wide: 94 snaps
• Slot alignment: 228 snaps
• Tight alignment (inline, connected to OL): 113 snaps
And when you look at how often he actually got wide open (3+ yards of separation) the issue becomes undeniable:
• Out wide: 5 of 94 snaps → 5.3%
• Slot: 21 of 228 snaps → 9.2%
• Tight alignment: 10 of 113 snaps → 8.8%
And when Pitts did get open, here’s what happened:
• Out wide: 4 of 5 targets → 80% completion
• Slot: 17 of 21 targets → 81% completion
• Tight alignment: 10 of 10 targets → 100% completion
The closer he was to the quarterback, the better the result. Faster reads. Cleaner spacing. More rhythm. More trust.
And in a league where pressure is coming up the middle faster than ever, it would for an offense to keep their unicorn closer to the quarterback right?
Then there’s the route tree. In 2024, Pitts ran:
• 177 out-breaking routes
• 163 vertical routes
• 95 in-breaking routes
*Data courtesy of NFL Pro*
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys, under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, are working to revamp their offense after a disappointing 2024 season marred by injuries to key players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons. The addition of wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers has already created a dynamic receiving duo alongside CeeDee Lamb. However, the tight end position remains a weak spot, with Jake Ferguson, despite showing promise, regressing to 494 yards in 2024 compared to 761 yards in 2023.
Why Are the Cowboys Targeting Pitts?
The idea of bringing Kyle Pitts to Dallas is not new. Owner Jerry Jones expressed admiration for Pitts before the 2021 Draft, describing him as the perfect fit for the Cowboys’ offense alongside quarterback Dak Prescott. Recently, Terrence Parsons, brother of star defender Micah Parsons, stirred up discussion by suggesting the Cowboys trade a second-round pick for Pitts, hinting that the move could propel Dallas to a Super Bowl.
Kyle Pitts Malpractice | Watch for it tonight đź‘€ #Falcons #Bucs #TNF pic.twitter.com/72JJb99Lgp
— Landon Holifield âś (@TheLandoShow) October 4, 2024
Analysts believe Pitts could be the ideal solution to the Cowboys’ struggles in the red zone, where they’ve lacked a difference-maker at tight end. ESPN cited former quarterback Robert Griffin III in 2023, who emphasized that Pitts could transform Dallas’ offense by creating mismatches against opposing defenses. Additionally, Pitts’ $10.8 million salary in the final year of his rookie contract (fifth-year option) makes him an attractive financial option.
The Falcons’ Misstep and Dallas’ Opportunity
The Atlanta Falcons have faced criticism for failing to maximize Pitts’ potential. Despite possessing one of the league’s most talented tight ends, the Falcons have struggled with quarterback instability, cycling through Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Kirk Cousins. This has hindered Pitts’ usage, particularly in the red zone, where he has only recorded 3 career touchdowns. Former head coach Arthur Smith, who led the Falcons from 2021 to 2023, was criticized for prioritizing a run-heavy scheme that underutilized Pitts’ receiving abilities.
Recent reports suggest the Falcons are open to trade offers for Pitts, with a minimum asking price of a Day 2 draft pick. This presents an opportunity for the Cowboys, who have roughly $30 million in cap space and a pressing need at tight end. An Athlon Sports article even described bringing Pitts to Dallas as a way to “fix” the Falcons’ failure to capitalize on his talent.
Challenges and Outlook
While the trade holds immense promise, it’s not without risks. Pitts suffered a significant knee injury in 2022, which impacted his production (28 receptions for 356 yards in 10 games). Additionally, with the Cowboys’ recent investment in George Pickens, balancing targets among Pitts, Jake Ferguson, CeeDee Lamb, and Pickens will be a challenge for Schottenheimer.
On the other hand, the Falcons may be reluctant to part with Pitts, especially as they hope rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. can stabilize their offense and help Pitts regain his form. A Falcons source in 2023 dismissed trade rumors with a firm “LOL. No way,” indicating their high regard for Pitts. However, Pitts’ absence from recent voluntary OTAs and persistent trade rumors suggest a deal remains possible.
Conclusion
If this trade materializes, Kyle Pitts could be the final piece to elevate the Dallas Cowboys’ offense to new heights, especially with Dak Prescott returning to top form. Pairing Pitts with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens would create one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive units, capable of challenging any defense. For the Falcons, trading Pitts could allow them to restructure their roster but would also serve as an admission of their failure to harness one of their greatest talents.
Regardless of the outcome, the buzz surrounding this potential trade will continue to heat up NFL discussions and fuel Cowboys fans’ dreams of a breakout 2025 season. Stay tuned to see if Jerry Jones can once again turn his “sugar plum dreams” into reality!