Patriots Emerge as Top Destination for All-Pro TE Pitts

New England looks to add offensive firepower around young QB Maye

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football game or match between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, with the players and field broken down into abstract shapes and planes of navy blue, red, and white.A cubist interpretation of the potential trade dynamics between the Patriots and Falcons for star tight end Kyle Pitts.Atlanta Today

The New England Patriots have been identified as a top potential landing spot for Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, who is available via trade after being franchise tagged for the 2026 season. The Patriots have a need for offensive upgrades, especially at the tight end position, and have the salary cap space to absorb Pitts' contract and potentially pair him with current Patriots tight end Hunter Henry.

Why it matters

Acquiring Pitts would give the Patriots a dynamic pass-catching threat at tight end to complement their young quarterback Drake Maye. Pitts is considered one of the league's best tight ends, and pairing him with Maye could create a formidable offensive duo for New England for years to come.

The details

The Falcons placed the franchise tag on Pitts for the 2026 season, but he is available for trade if the price is right. The Patriots have the salary cap space to absorb Pitts' contract, and could potentially keep him long-term or use him alongside the 32-year-old Hunter Henry, who is entering a contract year. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could feature both Pitts and Henry in two-tight end sets to create mismatches for the defense.

  • The Falcons placed the franchise tag on Pitts for the 2026 season.

The players

Kyle Pitts

A 24-year-old tight end for the Atlanta Falcons who was named to the Pro Bowl in 2025 and is considered one of the league's best at his position.

Drake Maye

The 23-year-old starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, entering his third NFL season.

Hunter Henry

The 32-year-old tight end for the New England Patriots, who is entering the final year of his contract in 2026.

Josh McDaniels

The offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, known for his creative play-calling and ability to maximize offensive talent.

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What they’re saying

“Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels can feature Pitts and Hunter Henry in two-tight-end sets to create mismatches all over the field.”

— Moe Moton, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Patriots will need to negotiate a trade with the Falcons to acquire Pitts, and determine if they can keep both Pitts and Henry long-term.

The takeaway

The Patriots' pursuit of Pitts signals their commitment to building a dynamic offense around young quarterback Drake Maye. Acquiring an elite tight end like Pitts would give the Patriots a significant offensive boost and potentially form one of the league's top quarterback-tight end duos.