A Kyle Pitts trade is likely following the extension of WR Drake London this week. According to the breaking news, the team has agreed to a new deal with London, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. This now puts pressure on the Falcons to get contracts done for RB Bijan Robinson and the former first-round pick. Unfortunately, the Falcons will have a huge financial commitment for the trio, so they’d realistically have to choose between their star RB and tight end.
Earlier this offseason, the team failed to agree to a new contract with Pitts that would fit his long-term needs. Instead, the Falcons decided to place a franchise tag, and now if the tight end decides to have another explosive season, the pressure is on. The tight end signed his one-year tender, but it doesn’t look like he’ll request a trade anytime soon. However, it could change throughout the season if the Falcons have another disastrous campaign, especially after making little to no effort to get a solid backup QB behind Michael Penix Jr. this upcoming season.
After signing Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year “prove it” contract, the Falcons are hopeful that the tight end can have the same impact as last season. During the 2025 campaign, the tight end finished with 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns.
Kyle Pitts Trade: Drake London $141M Extension Sparks Rumors
Do the Falcons need to worry? Not really. Pitts had two back-to-back struggling campaigns after his first explosive season. The Falcons are ensuring that the tight end is serious about his high-level of play, but at the same time, it could come back and bite them. It’s looking like a lose-lose situation for them.
However, it’s nothing they can control at this point in the offseason. Nobody should be shocked if the tight end garners trade interest before the season and the trade deadline in November. Here are three teams to watch for his upcoming campaign that could target the star.
Possible Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
Despite the team bringing back Travis Kelce for possibly his last season, the Kansas City Chiefs need to think about life after him. As of this posting, the team has one of the worst passing attacks in the league, and it’s daunting for Patrick Mahomes, who is coming off a season-ending injury last year. With Rashee Rice unable to stay out of trouble and dealing with recovery, it’s pretty much down to Tyquan Thornton, Xavier Worthy and Kelce.
Thornton is solid in situational moments, but Worthy is still adjusting to the offense. The Chiefs could trade for Kyle Pitts to give them a strong new phase of life in the pass offense
Denver Broncos
Last season, the Broncos signed TE Evan Engram, but he failed to live up to expectations. Despite adding WR Jaylen Waddle to massively strengthen this offense alongside Courtland Sutton, they can’t waltz into the season without a solid TE. QB Bo Nix is coming off a season-ending injury, and it’d be better to leave in good hands with one more explosive weapon. If the Falcons are struggling, they could send Kyle Pitts in a trade to Denver for a future first-round pick.
It might be hard to get that done, but it might be worth the risk, especially for head coach Sean Payton, who values his tight ends.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers are the dark horse of the NFL. They’re at least one or two superstar players away from having a stacked group on offense. While they’ve outdone themselves upgrading their defense, signing Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips, there’s still work to be done on offense. It’s a crucial 2026 campaign for QB Bryce Young, and if they get Pitts, the chances are that he’s going to be the long-term alpha for Carolina.
