NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah flabbergasted by popular Chiefs trade idea

Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach has already proven that he's not afraid to trade a first-round draft pick for an established veteran at a position of need.

Ahead of the 2019 NFL season, Brett Veach shipped off the team's first-round pick in a package to acquire Seattle Seahawks DE Frank Clark. In 2021, he sent a package including their first-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for LT Orlando Brown Jr. in a trade. Could Veach again choose to acquire a veteran instead of an incoming rookie to help their chances at a three-peat in the 2024 NFL season?

As the team approached the NFL trade deadline this past year, a popular name floated for the Chiefs was Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts. The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft lit the stat sheet on fire as a rookie with 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and a touchdown, but he hasn't since recorded a season with as many yards and receptions. With a new regime in Atlanta, could the 23-year-old be on the trade block and an option if Kansas City looks to add a pass-catcher via trade?

NFL Network lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah reacts to Kyle Pitts trade idea for Chiefs

During his pre-combine conference call, Jeremiah was asked specifically about the wide receiver position, but there was also mention of a trade scenario involving Pitts. He weighed in on what the team could do at the wide receiver position, but he was flabbergasted by the idea of a potential trade for Pitts. 

"Gosh, if that's true — I haven't read that article," Jeremiah said of a potential Pitts trade. "If it's possible to go get Kyle Pitts, sign me up for that. Goodness gracious, that would be — that would not be fair if that were to happen. . . You just got my head spinning with this Kyle Pitts thing. Is that out there? I have not read that. That would be — as someone who calls Chargers games, I'm sure a lot of people would not be happy with that trade. Holy crap."

Pitts has all of the ability in the world, but he has inexplicably been underutilized in the Falcons' offense over the past two seasons, recording just 81 receptions for 1,023 yards and five touchdowns in that span. Some of that is connected to quarterback play, some it is scheme and some of it is opportunity.

Even with a player like Travis Kelce still playing at a high level, Pitts could be the perfect complement and a true successor. He has one season left on his rookie deal and should K.C. trade for him, they'd have until May. 2 to pick up his fifth-year option. 

As for whether Pitts would be available in trade, one has to consider that the Falcons are still in the market for a franchise quarterback. If Pick No. 32 in the first round or any other pick can help them achieve the goal of finding their quarterback of the future, it's hard to imagine that Atlanta wouldn't at least listen to offers.