The Promise of Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts was the coveted first-round pick for the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, drawn to the team by his exceptional potential showcased at the University of Florida. His rookie year was a testament to that potential, as he caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards, earning him the distinction of being one of the most promising tight ends in the league. Pitts’s rookie performance was nothing short of spectacular, and it set high expectations for his career trajectory.
The Turbulent Second Season
However, the journey for Pitts has not been as smooth in the subsequent years. In his second season, he suffered a significant knee injury, which dampened his performance and raised concerns about his future. Despite the setback, he has shown resilience, catching 100 passes for 1,269 yards over the last two seasons. While these numbers are respectable, they do not match the lofty expectations set by his rookie year. The Falcons, recognizing his value, picked up Pitts’s option for the 2025 season, but this decision comes with a caveat: it does not guarantee his place beyond the current year.
A Mixed Bag of Performances
Head coach Raheem Morris was candid during a visit to PFT Live at last week’s Scouting Combine, offering a balanced view of Pitts’s performance. Morris acknowledged that Pitts has had moments where he shone as potentially the best player on the field, but these highlights are often followed by less impressive outings. "He has some games where it looks like potentially the best player on the football team," Morris said, but he also noted that these performances are interspersed with outings that leave a lot to be desired. The inconsistency in Pitts’s play is a critical area that the coaching staff aims to address this season.
The Goal for Consistency
The primary goal for the Falcons and Pitts this year is to achieve greater consistency. Morris emphasized that the team is committed to helping Pitts become a more reliable threat on the field. "He has some moments that leave you wanting more, leave you desiring more," Morris explained. "With a guy like Michael Penix that believes in him, you want to see if you can get more. We’re gonna take it as far as we can take it from a coaching standpoint." The coaching staff’s dedication to supporting Pitts is evident, and the hope is that this collaborative effort will yield the results they are seeking.
The Prospect of a Big Contract
If the Falcons can successfully transform Pitts into the consistent player they envision, the tight end will be in line for a substantial contract at this time next year. The potential for a lucrative deal is a significant motivator for both Pitts and the team. However, the past four years provide little evidence that this outcome is a certainty. The challenge lies in translating Pitts’s occasional brilliance into a consistent and dominant presence on the field, a goal that will require a concerted effort from the coaching staff and Pitts himself.
The Road Ahead
The journey for Kyle Pitts with the Atlanta Falcons is far from over. The combination of his talent, the team’s belief in him, and the coaching staff’s commitment to his development presents a compelling narrative. While the last few years have been marked by ups and downs, the Falcons are confident that with the right approach, Pitts can achieve the potential that made him such a sought-after prospect in the first place. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the focus is clear: transforming Kyle Pitts into a consistent and dominant force on the field, and in doing so, securing a bright future for both the player and the franchise.
