For much of the last few seasons, Kyle Pitts has been viewed through a lens of unmet expectations. After bursting onto the scene with a stellar rookie campaign in 2021, the former No. 4 overall pick seemed poised to redefine what a tight end could be in today’s NFL. But then came the inconsistency, the injuries, the coaching changes - and the narrative shifted.
That changed, at least for one night, last Thursday.
Pitts put together the kind of performance that reminded everyone why he was once considered a generational talent at the position. It wasn’t just a good game - it was the best of his career. And with free agency looming, Pitts may have picked the perfect time to remind the league of his ceiling.
But here's the twist: despite all the talk of disappointment, Pitts just earned himself a spot in some pretty elite company.
With his latest outing, Pitts now ranks fifth all-time in receiving yards by a tight end before turning 26. That’s not just a nice stat - that’s a serious milestone.
The only names ahead of him? Rob Gronkowski, Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez, and Kellen Winslow.
That’s a Mount Rushmore of tight ends right there. And Pitts is still climbing the mountain.
Most Receiving Yards by a Tight End Before Age 26: 1.
Rob Gronkowski - 4,379
2.
Jason Witten - 3,983
3.
Tony Gonzalez - 3,958
4.
Kellen Winslow - 3,942
5.
Kyle Pitts - 3,448 (and counting until October 6, 2026)
Let that sink in. Pitts is ahead of schedule compared to some of the most productive tight ends in history.
According to the numbers, he’s played more games than Gronk and Winslow to get there - but fewer than Witten and Gonzalez. So we’re not just talking about a volume stat padded by extra games.
There’s real substance here.
The question now becomes: which version of Pitts are we going to see moving forward?
Is he the dynamic, matchup-breaking tight end we saw in 2021 - and again last Thursday - the one who can line up anywhere and terrorize defenses? Or is he the enigmatic figure from 2022 through 2024, flashing brilliance but struggling to put it together consistently?
That’s the puzzle NFL teams will be trying to solve this offseason. Because while the perception may still be clouded by recent years, the numbers tell a more nuanced story. Pitts hasn’t just been a promising tight end - he’s been historically productive for his age.
If he can build on this momentum and string together performances like the one we just saw, the conversation around Kyle Pitts could change quickly - and dramatically. The talent has never been in question. Now, it’s about opportunity, consistency, and the right situation.
And if Thursday night was any indication, Pitts might just be ready to remind everyone what he’s really capable of.