The Falcons have picked up the fifth-year option on tight end Kyle Pitts, the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, a team source confirmed to Athleticism Monday. ESPN’s Field Yates was first to report the news.
Pitts had the second-most prolific rookie season in NFL history in his first year (68 catches, 1,026 yards), but that was with Matt Ryan as his quarterback. Inconsistent quarterback play, a torn MCL and Pitts’ own struggles hampered him in 2022 and 2023.
He had 356 receiving yards in 10 games in 2022 before his knee injury and 667 yards in 17 games last year. He has six career touchdowns.
Despite those pedestrian numbers, picking up his option probably wasn’t a difficult decision for the Falcons. Pitts will be paid around $10.4 million in 2025, which would be a bargain if new coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson can help him unlock more of his potential.
Pitts also stands to benefit from the addition of free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has already hinted he plans to look in Pitts’ direction a lot this season.
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