Chiefs trade proposal sends first-round pick to Falcons for $15 million All-Pro TE originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There’s a reason why many believe the Kansas City Chiefs are among the franchises that could complete an NFL Draft trade this week.
Regarding stability at the tight end position, the Chiefs aren’t in the best shape with Travis Kelce’s time in the NFL running out.
Fortunately for the four-time Super Bowl champions, CBS Sports’ John Breech recently crafted a hypothetical trade proposal that would help the Chiefs survive the inevitable post-Kelce era in Kansas City. The deal would send a first-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for a 25-year-old All-Pro TE.
“The Falcons would likely be open to this deal for two reasons,” Breech wrote Tuesday. “For one, they don't have a first-round pick this year, so this would get them the chance to get back into the opening round. Also, Pitts is set to play under the franchise tag, which will pay him $15 million in 2026. If the Falcons trade him away, that will immediately free up $15 million in cap space.
“On the Chiefs' end, if they were to acquire Pitts, he would serve as the heir apparent to Travis Kelce. The Chiefs' star tight end recently signed on for his14th season in Kansas City, but at 36, it's hard to see him playing past the 2026 season.”
“If the Chiefs add Pitts, that would give Patrick Mahomes an almost unfair advantage in the passing game.”
After a strong rookie season and three consecutive lackluster seasons in Atlanta, Pitts took his game to an elevated level in Year 5. From using his size to secure balls/create separation, to terrorizing slow-footed linebackers due to his noticeable speed advantage, Pitts enjoyed a successful bounce-back season in 2025-26.
The Florida product recorded 928 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 17 games with the Falcons, proving that if traded, he’s undoubtedly worth a high draft pick.
Pitts would be a formidable short and long-term TE option for a Chiefs squad hoping to recover smoothly from their disastrous 2025-26 campaign. Still, it’s unclear if the Chiefs will fully commit to the idea of swapping first-round selection for the 2021 Pro Bowler.
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