Could Kyle Pitts Be the Broncos’ Next Big Weapon?
The Denver Broncos had the week off from Thursday Night Football, but one player who might be on their radar lit it up in prime time: Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts. And if Denver is serious about retooling its offense this offseason, Pitts might be one of the most intriguing names to watch.
Let’s be clear - the Broncos are expected to be active in the market for offensive reinforcements, especially at the skill positions. Pitts fits that bill in a big way.
He’s not just a tight end. He’s a matchup nightmare, a hybrid weapon who’s finally starting to look like the player many thought he’d become when he was taken fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
After a few up-and-down seasons in Atlanta, Pitts is putting together his best campaign yet. Through 14 games, he’s already racked up 797 receiving yards - more than he totaled in any of his previous three seasons.
He’s on pace to flirt with 1,000 yards, a mark that would put him in elite company at the tight end position. And with free agency looming, he’s doing everything he can to make sure teams - including Denver - are paying attention.
A Statement Game on the National Stage
If Thursday night was an audition for his next team, Pitts passed with flying colors. Against a Todd Bowles defense that’s built its reputation on physicality and discipline, Pitts went off. He hauled in 11 catches for 160 yards and three touchdowns, sparking a Falcons comeback win that could have serious playoff implications.
That kind of performance doesn’t just happen by accident. It was the kind of game that reminds everyone why Pitts was such a high draft pick in the first place.
He was too fast for linebackers, too big for corners, and too polished for safeties. He looked like a player who’s finally figured out how to put all the tools together - and that’s a scary thought for opposing defenses.
Why the Broncos Make Sense
Denver is projected to have a healthy amount of cap space this offseason, and while tight end might not be the team’s top priority, it’s hard to ignore the upside Pitts brings. Even if the Broncos decide to keep Evan Engram in the fold, adding Pitts would give head coach Sean Payton a chance to get creative - and that’s where things get interesting.
Imagine a formation with Pitts and Engram on the field together, flanked by Courtland Sutton. That’s a lot of speed, size, and versatility for defenses to deal with.
Pitts has the footwork and burst to line up out wide or in the slot, and he’s just as comfortable stretching the seam as he is working underneath. Pairing him with Engram, who thrives in space, could open up a new dimension in Denver’s passing game.
And let’s not forget - Sean Payton has a track record of maximizing tight end talent. From Jimmy Graham in New Orleans to developing hybrid weapons in creative roles, Payton knows how to scheme for guys like Pitts.
A Fit That’s Hard to Ignore
While Denver’s most pressing needs might lie elsewhere - quarterback questions still linger, and the offensive line always deserves attention - adding a dynamic playmaker like Pitts could be the kind of move that elevates the entire unit. He’s still just 25, entering his prime, and showing signs that he’s ready to take off.
If Pitts is ready to move on from a struggling Atlanta franchise, Denver could offer a fresh start, a creative offensive mind, and a young core that’s quietly building something. The final stretch of the season will be key, but if Pitts keeps stacking performances like Thursday night, he won’t just be one of the top tight ends available - he might be one of the most coveted free agents, period.
Bottom line: the Broncos would be wise to keep a close eye on Kyle Pitts. Because if this version of him is here to stay, he could be a game-changer in orange and blue.