Vikings Should Explore a Trade for This Man
No, the Minnesota Vikings don’t have an utterly urgent roster need at tight end.
One high-profile NFL playmaker is reportedly available via trade, and the Vikings should consider making a telephone call.
Yes, they should still pick up the phone and inquire about the asking price for tight end Kyle Pitts via trade.
Pitts, an Atlanta Falcon for the last four seasons, is apparently on the trade block, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should sniff around.
Kyle Pitts Reportedly Available via Trade
NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweeted last week, “Sources: Multiple teams have reached out to the Falcons about the availability of TE Kyle Pitts.”
Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox added context, “Nothing is imminent, and Atlanta would prefer to keep him — but I’m told it would take at least a Day 2 pick to even spark serious talks. As the NFL calendar moves into organized team activities (OTAs), the rumor mill continues to churn. Recent buzz suggests that teams are looking to pry one former Pro Bowler away from the Atlanta Falcons.”
“Kirk Cousins has been the subject of trade speculation throughout the offseason and is probably the first name that comes to mind when a potential Falcons trade is mentioned. However, we’re now talking about tight end Kyle Pitts, who was a rookie Pro Bowler in 2021 but has been underutilized since and is now entering the final year of his rookie contract.”
Pitts is still just 24 years old.
Knox added, “While Atlanta may prefer to keep Pitts, it could be intrigued by the right offer. He’s scheduled to be a free agent next offseason and is set to earn $10.9 million on the fifth-year option. The Falcons, meanwhile, have just $5.3 million in cap space and could use added financial flexibility if they hope to make any additional moves before Week 1.”
And there you have it, folks — an honest-to-goodness trade rumor mill for Pitts.
Why Not the Vikings?
Minnesota has used the 2025 offseason — and a couple before it — to stack its roster for Super Bowl contention. In that vein, the club doesn’t need a tight end like Pitts for 2025.
Yet, Super Bowl teams get deep-deep when the opportunity arises. This is the opportunity.
Adofo-Mensah has most of his draft picks for 2026 and 2027 untouched, and sending a 4th-Rounder (approximate price) to Atlanta for Pitts would enhance the playmaking acumen of Kevin O’Connell’s offense all the way to the heavens.
Meanwhile, T.J. Hockenson, in theory, could get hurt in 2025, and if so, Minnesota would be forced to toss Josh Oliver in the lineup at TE1.
Pitts is better than Oliver.
Plan for Life after Josh Oliver
Additionally, the same man, Josh Oliver, is slated to hit free agency next March. Unless Adofo-Mensah extends his contract, 2025 is Oliver’s final hurrah in the Twin Cities.
Trading for Pitts now and extending his deal, which should be somewhat modest, prepares for life after Oliver. The tight end spot would no longer be a question mark for 2026, meaning Minnesota would get ahead of itself — in a good way — for long-term roster planning.
A Chance at Revival for Kyle Pitts
Pitts tabulated 47 receptions for 602 yards and 4 touchdowns last season with Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback. That’s mediocre for a 1st-Round tight end.
In fact, Pitts exploded onto the scene in 2021 with 1,026 receiving yards and has not since replicated the feat.
With O’Connell in charge and a pass-happy offense, Pitts would get a crack at a geographical cure.
Steelers as a Fit for Kirk Cousins and Kyle Pitts?
The Vikings may not be the only sensible spot for Pitts.
Kristopher Knox recently outlined a Falcons trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers for Cousins and Pitts.
He explained, “In this hypothetical scenario, though, Atlanta offloads Cousins, along with Pitts, to get a second-rounder and a bit more from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Falcons would also save $27.5 million in cap space by moving Cousins after June 1.”
“The Steelers are widely expected to add Aaron Rodgers at some point this offseason, which would erase any potential interest in Cousins. Rodgers hasn’t signed a contract yet, though, which leaves Mason Rudolph as QB1 in Pittsburgh. If Rodgers decides to retire or try playing elsewhere in 2025, Cousins could be the Steelers’ next best option. Cousins, who is over four years younger than Rodgers, would have more potential long-term value to the Steelers anyway.”
Like Pitts, Cousins may also be on the trade block.
Knox added, “Tight end isn’t a massive need for the Steelers because they have Pat Freiermuth atop the depth chart. Pittsburgh lacks potent pass-catchers after Freiermuth and DK Metcalf, however, and could provide a strong schematic fit for Pitts. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was Atlanta’s head coach when Pitts was drafted.”
“This is a package trade that could probably only happen if Rodgers shuns the Steelers—or if Pittsburgh surprisingly decides to pivot away from him. Should that happen, however, it might also be the best possible outcome for all involved.”
It may make more sense for Pitts to end up with a team like the Steelers, but the Vikings should at least do their diligence. The worst Atlanta can say is “no thanks.”
Vikings Could Have a Controversy Brewing
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