Cowboys make $32M trade for Falcons playmaker

The Dallas Cowboys are struggling to find the end zone, causing at least one pundit to believe that the solution lies outside the team’s roster. According to ESPN’s Robert Griffin III, the Cowboys should consider a blockbuster trade for Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts.

“However, if I were the Cowboys right now, there is no mismatch at tight end.” “They have the personnel outside, but they’re missing the tight end,” Griffin stated on the September 25, 2023, broadcast of “Monday Night Countdown.” “I’d be banging on the door of the Atlanta Falcons right now, trying to get Kyle Pitts.”

“They require a player like that….” They’ve got to locate a mismatch in the red zone.”

Pitts’ use by the Falcons has been perplexing since they selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, making him the highest-drafted tight end in league history. Pitts’ receiving yards have plummeted since his spectacular rookie season, when he had nine grabs for 100 yards in the first three games. His 2023 average yards per game (33.3 yards) and 2022 average (35.6 yards) are both much lower than his rookie season average of 60.3 yards per game.




Despite his decreased yardage, his on-field use has been largely constant. During his debut season, Pitts played 74% of the offensive snaps for the team and was targeted 6.5 times a game. His snap percentages in 10 games in 2022 and three games this season are 72% and 70%, respectively, and his targets are 5.9 and 5.7.
Pitts, 22, is still waiting for his first touchdown of the season to add to his three in his career. Pitts has two seasons left on his four-year, $32 million rookie contract, not including the possibility of Atlanta picking up his fifth-year option in 2025.




Eric Mangini of the 33rd Team stated that Pitts has been hampered by the Falcons’ quarterbacks, although he did not completely exonerate Pitts.

“I don’t know how many catchable balls he had last season, but it wasn’t like he had top-flight quarterback play throughout,” Mangini wrote in a September 22 article. “Part of Pitts’ ability to reach his full potential is dependent on him….” I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt since he’s coming off an injury, but it should be much better than it is.”




Despite Pitts’ lack of offensive production, it’s difficult to picture Atlanta trading the tight end without receiving a first-round choice in return. You may recall that the Cowboys were big fans of Pitts leading into the 2021 NFL Draft. The team shared footage of owner Jerry Jones raving over Pitts during their pre-draft discussion with the tight end in April 2021.

“I’ll tell you what, boy. “I’m thrilled to have you join us in this league,” Jones said at the time. “And, man, what a combination we could put together with ol’ Dak Prescott and some of those guys we have out there with options to get you the ball.” So we may fantasize about sweet plums around here.”
Dallas was successful in that draft because it selected two-time All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons. The Cowboys traded with the Philadelphia Eagles, dropping from No. 10 to No. 12, to land Parsons. By the time Dallas was on the clock, Pitts had already left.

It remains to be seen whether the Cowboys’ red zone issues are the result of a lack of established scoring threats, poor execution, or poor play-calling. The solution is most likely a combination of these explanations. Jake Ferguson, the starting tight end, has 10 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.

Pitts would still be a significant boost for Dallas, but Atlanta has made no indication that he wishes to sell the tight end. He is coming off a rookie season in which he had 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one score.