Breaking News: $32 Million Pro Bowl Star Sensation Suggested as a Historic Trade Prospect for the Broncos
The Denver Broncos currently hold a 2-2 record with rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Their defense ranks among the NFL’s best after four weeks, but the offense has missed scoring opportunities, suggesting that a trade might provide the necessary boost.
In Week 4 against the New York Jets, Nix recorded the fewest yards per attempt, prompting discussions about potential trades. Benjamin Allbright of KOA suggested on X that while some fans are interested in Amari Cooper, he personally favors targeting Kyle Pitts from the Atlanta Falcons.
Pitts, the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history (taken fourth overall in the 2021 draft), is a player that has garnered mixed opinions. Although he has faced challenges in the past two seasons and has had a slow start this year, he possesses the athleticism to be a significant playmaker—something that Broncos head coach Sean Payton values in his offense. According to Sports Illustrated’s Chad Jensen and Erick Trickel, Pitts can create mismatches and fulfill the role the Broncos envisioned for Greg Dulcich, who has yet to develop as expected.
Though not a traditional blocker, Pitts’ versatility allows him to be moved around the field, which the Broncos need to enhance their struggling passing game. Currently, the Broncos rank seventh in passing attempts but sit at 27th in passing yards and dead last in passing touchdowns. Dulcich and the other tight ends have managed only 8 receptions for 47 yards on 17 targets combined this season.
Pitts, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 246 pounds, is in the last year of a four-year, $32.9 million contract, with a $10 million fifth-year option in 2025.
He could effectively assume the “joker role” in the Broncos’ offense, which was initially projected for Dulcich. This role would enable Pitts to showcase his unique skills in creative ways.
However, Pitts has seen a decline in performance with the Falcons. After making the Pro Bowl as a rookie with 68 catches for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, he has recorded only 81 receptions for 1,023 yards and five touchdowns over the past two seasons combined. So far in 2024, he has made 8 catches for 105 yards and one touchdown. Notably, he failed to catch any of his three targets during the Falcons’ Week 4 win against the New Orleans Saints, and he is currently receiving the lowest grades of his career from Pro Football Focus.
Despite this, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris downplayed concerns about Pitts’ production, stating that statistics aren’t his focus. He emphasized winning games over individual performances.
If acquired, Pitts would bring a level of talent to the Broncos’ tight end position that has not been seen since the retirement of five-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Graham, showcasing the potential for stardom in Payton’s offense.
