Carolina Panthers Could Trade for Falcons Superstar in Game-Changing Move

The Carolina Panthers have a gaping hole at tight end, and they still, even after free agency has basically run its course, have options to fill it. They could easily upgrade in a number of ways.

The easiest is to draft Kenyon Sadiq in the first round. He's likely to be available when the Panthers pick, and he makes so much sense. Tons of mock drafts are making that prediction.

The Panthers could also still sign Darren Waller or David Njoku. The salary cap would force them to get creative, but they could sign either one and have an instantly better tight end room.

What about a trade? A superstar tight end just might be available, and the Panthers would be foolish not to pounce.

Falcons may trade Kyle Pitts, and Panthers should pounce

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kyle Pitts was given the franchise tag this offseason, so he's essentially on a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. That doesn't preclude them from trading him. Brian Burns was tagged before he was sent packing in 2024.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton pointed out that the new front office in Atlanta is seemingly willing to listen to trade offers. GM Ian Cunningham said it's his job to listen, even if he likes Pitts as a player.

"Atlanta is headed in a new direction, led by Cunningham and its new president of football, Matt Ryan. Team brass franchise-tagged Pitts instead of signing him to a multiyear extension, which opens a window," Moton wrote.

He listed five teams that could trade for him, and strangely, the Panthers weren't one. However, that doesn't mean that it isn't a good option. In fact, it's a really good option for Carolina. They have one of the biggest needs for a good tight end in the NFL and have for years.

Trading to a division rival is usually not ideal, so the Falcons would be hesitant, but there's no denying the need. He'd be a fantastic addition, and his WR-like abilities would make him a fantastic chess piece for Dave Canales.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) catches pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

While the Falcons have had generally poor QB play during his four years, the Panthers seem to have stabilized there. Bryce Young's trending up, and he probably represents a more enticing passer than either Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. at this point.

It's a long shot, especially with former QB Matt Ryan involved. He and the Panthers go way back, and it's not a good relationship, so they wouldn't be inclined to deal Pitts to Carolina.

However, if the Panthers blow them away with an offer, it would get them the tight end they've needed for so long.