Could the Indianapolis Colts complete a Kyle Pitts trade? ESPN’s Ben Solak projected that the Cincinnati Bengals would trade for the tight end this offseason. That would be an excellent deal for the Bengals, since Pitts would provide Joe Burrow with another offensive weapon.
However, a Kyle Pitts trade could be a good move for the Colts. As any Colts fan knows, the team desperately needs a playmaking tight end. This season, Indianapolis featured five tight ends on its roster: Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory, and Jelani Woods (who was injured).
While the Colts have a few tight ends, none of them have emerged as standout performers. Woods has the potential to be a superb golfer, but he has failed to remain healthy.
Pitts would be an improvement over all five guys. It wouldn’t hurt if the Colts tried to trade for the former first-round pick.
The Indianapolis Colts should consider trading Kyle Pitts for his career. Kyle Pitts played three seasons for the Florida Gators. In his final season, he caught 43 passes for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also a unanimous All-American and received the John Mackey Award.
The Atlanta Falcons took Pitts fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He became the most highly drafted tight end in NFL history. He earned 1,026 yards on 68 receptions and was chosen to the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
Pitts hasn’t been to the Pro Bowl since then. Nonetheless, he has had a respectable, if not outstanding, career in Atlanta. This past season, he caught 47 passes for 602 yards and four touchdowns. He contributed 91 receiving yards and two touchdowns to the Falcons’ Week 8 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Why Should the Colts Trade for Him?
The Colts hold the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Perhaps Penn State tight end Tyler Warren would be an excellent choice for the club. However, he could be gone before choice number 14.
Rather than draft a tight end, the Colts might trade for Pitts. Solak projected that the Bengals will send a Day 3 pick to Atlanta as part of the Pitts transaction. For the Colts, a fourth- or seventh-round pick would be a reasonable trade.
Again, Pitts would be a significant upgrade over Indianapolis’ existing tight ends. He might join Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce to provide quarterback Anthony Richardson with a strong pass-catching corps to throw to.
Regarding the Richardson-Pitts relationship, they were teammates at the University of Florida for one season. That was Richardson’s freshman year, and Pitts’ final year at the school. Pitts never caught a pass from Richardson, but knowing they were teammates might help them develop synergy.
Richardson has struggled significantly as a passer. This season, the former fourth overall pick completed 47.7 percent of his throws. That’s definitely not good. Richardson, however, still has time to develop. A tight end like Pitts in the short passing game could help Richardson with his accuracy concerns.
A Kyle Pitts trade is not necessary for the Colts. However, they should contemplate such a move this offseason.
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