5 tight ends the Cardinals could pursue before 2021 season-opener
By Jim Koch
![(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) David Njoku (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) David Njoku](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fraisingzona-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1283703132-850x560-f8906387dd05f96cf6becebcbba57f60da3b2fd6a628994abeb7b3b5baac5b4b.jpg)
Hayden Hurst (Atlanta Falcons)
Back in April, the Atlanta Falcons used the fourth-overall pick of the draft on a tight end out of the University of Florida. Kyle Pitts, a 6-foot-6, 246-pounder with superstar potential, is expected to do big things at the professional level. Where exactly does that leave Hayden Hurst, Atlanta’s starter in 2020?
The former first-round selection of the Baltimore Ravens tallied 56 receptions, 571 receiving yards, and six touchdowns for the Falcons last fall. With Pitts now on board, the 6-foot-4, 260-pound Hurst’s production will more than likely take a nosedive.
Add to it the fact that Atlanta has already declined the fifth-year option on the 27-year-old’s rookie contract, which means that Hurst will be a free agent in 2022. One would have to believe that the Falcons’ front office would be all ears if Arizona was to call with a trade offer for the talented tight end.