Most of the conversation about which positions the Patriots should target early in the draft has centered on offensive tackle and EDGE, as those are widely considered two of their weakest groups on the roster. But that ignores the massive need on the offense, specifically at tight end, with Hunter Henry as the main pass-catching player set to play in 2026.
Although they signed Julian Hill in free agency, he is considered more of a blocker than a receiver, and that doesn't help Drake Maye much in the passing game. So that makes the Patriots a top team for a tight end upgrade, maybe even via trade.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes that to be true, as well, listing New England as a landing spot for Kyle Pitts if the Falcons decide to move their 25-year-old star.
The Patriots have the money to make a deal, and giving Maye a productive tight end who could ultimately succeed Henry and work with the quarterback for a long time.
The Patriots are considered a tight end-needy team who could benefit from a Kyle Pitts trade
That's exactly what Moton predicts, even going as far as suggesting that Maye and Pitts could become one of the best QB-TE duos in the league.
Now it's up to the Patriots to make it happen, and the door for a trade is still open, since Atlanta only franchise-tagged Pitts rather than offer him an extension.
"By the way, entering his age-32 campaign in a contract year, Henry may not be with the team beyond 2026. Maye and Pitts have the potential to become one of the league's best quarterback-tight end tandems for the long term."
Considering how good he has been for the Falcons and the potential of what he can do in the league, it will cost New England a pretty penny go get a deal agreed upon. But they surely have enough draft picks to send a few away, and could maybe even include a player in the deal to get Pitts in the door.
It would certainly be worth it, and what Pitts could bring to the Patriots' offense would make it all worth it.
He has had an up-and-down career over the last four years, breaking out as a rookie by logging over 1,000+ receiving yards. But he really came alive in 2025 after three down years, recording 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns.
That's the kind of production the Patriots could use, and his blocking abilities, or lack thereof, won't matter because they have Julian Hill and fullback Reggie Gilliam ready to hold that role down. That makes a Pitts trade even more of a no-brainer.