The New England Patriots have offensive skill upgrades this season with Stefon Diggs and TreVeyon Henderson among others.

That doesn’t mean New England will stop the search for more weapons for sophomore quarterback Drake Maye. The NFC South could be the next place to look.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts popped up in trade rumors this week, which NESN’s George Balekji and Travis Thomas broke down on the “Foxboro Rush” podcast. The talent is there, but how does he fit with the Patriots.

Maye has familiarity with tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, who resigned with New England this offseason. Pitts probably has a higher ceiling than those two options, though the familiarity with Maye and production floor make that move for Pitts, unless the Patriots plan on moving him around the field as a more versatile pass-catcher, less likely.

The Florida product put together an exceptional rookie season with over 1,000 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. Since then, his touchdown total increased by one per season and his catches and yards have dropped from his rookie standard. Pitts has just 10 touchdowns in his four seasons with the Falcons.

Now, does that say more about Pitts’ production or more about the Falcons’ inability to properly weaponize him in the offense? That’s the biggest question to answer for teams like the Patriots should they consider a deal.

Pitts is a free agent after 2025 with $10.9 million due this season. New England still has plenty of cap space, but the Patriots would need to consider the tight end’s future fit in a young offense built on Maye’s ability to grow into a premier passer in the sport.