With free agency still over a month away, the Atlanta Falcons have time to assess their roster and make some tough decisions - and none may be tougher than what to do with tight end Kyle Pitts. Once viewed as a generational talent, Pitts has had flashes of brilliance but hasn’t consistently lived up to his top-five draft billing. Now, entering a pivotal offseason under new general manager Ian Cunningham, the Falcons are faced with a critical question: Do they invest big in Pitts, tag him, or move on?
If Atlanta chooses the latter path, there are a couple of intriguing names who could step in - both potential cap casualties with ties to teams navigating their own uncertain futures. Let’s break down two tight ends the Falcons should have on their radar.
T.J. Hockenson - Minnesota Vikings
Before a late-2023 ACL tear, T.J. Hockenson was operating at an elite level.
Back-to-back seasons with over 900 receiving yards, including a seamless transition after being traded midseason in 2022, showed just how productive and versatile he could be as a pass-catching tight end. But 2025 told a different story.
Hockenson played 15 games this past season, finishing with just 438 yards and three touchdowns - his lowest totals since his rookie year. The drop-off was noticeable, and so were the injuries. Now, with the Vikings entering a rebuild after firing their GM, Hockenson’s $8.9 million cap hit makes him a possible cut candidate.
That’s where Atlanta comes in. Yes, there are red flags - age, injury history, and a down year - but Hockenson still brings a lot to the table.
He’s a chain-mover with a career catch rate nearing 69% and has shown he can be a reliable target in the middle of the field. If he hits the open market, the Falcons could explore a short-term, prove-it deal that gives them a high-upside option without a long-term commitment.
Cole Kmet - Chicago Bears
Cole Kmet’s situation is a bit different. He’s not coming off a major injury, but he’s also not coming off a particularly productive season.
After the Bears used a top-10 pick on tight end Colston Loveland, Kmet’s role in the offense diminished significantly. With Chicago facing a serious cap crunch, releasing Kmet before June 1 would save them $8.4 million - and that move feels increasingly likely.
Kmet isn’t a game-changer, but he’s a steady, reliable presence who could bring some much-needed stability to Atlanta’s offense. His best season came in 2023, when he posted 719 yards and six touchdowns on 73 catches. While he hasn’t hit that mark since, he’s still just 27 and could benefit from a change of scenery.
There’s also a connection worth noting: Ian Cunningham helped extend Kmet during his time in Chicago. That familiarity could make a reunion more likely. And in Kevin Stefanski’s tight end-friendly offense, a pairing of Kmet and Pitts - if Atlanta decides to keep the former first-rounder - could create some interesting mismatches.
Even if Pitts returns, adding Kmet would give the Falcons a dependable second option in two-tight end sets, something Stefanski has leaned on heavily in the past. Kmet may not be a star, but he’s a high-floor player who could help bring structure to an offense that’s been searching for consistency.
The Bottom Line
The Falcons are at a crossroads with Kyle Pitts. His talent is undeniable, but the production hasn’t matched the promise.
If Atlanta decides to turn the page, T.J. Hockenson and Cole Kmet both offer intriguing - and very different - skill sets.
Hockenson is the higher-upside swing, a potential difference-maker if healthy. Kmet is the safer bet, a steady contributor who could thrive in the right system.
Either way, with Cunningham now steering the ship and Stefanski designing the offense, the Falcons have options. And come March 11, we’ll start to see just how bold they’re willing to be.