FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, who was taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, is set to enter his fifth season after failing to meet expectations in 2024.
Pitts, who caught 47 of 74 targets for 602 yards and four touchdowns this season, was not a major factor in the offense. He had four drops, according to Pro Football Reference’s advance stats. He did catch a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to force overtime against Washington in the 16th game of the season.
“When you take a player that high in the draft, obviously you expect a certain level (of play),” Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said. “We understand that Kyle had a really good rookie year and hadn’t equaled or exceeded that production since then.”
Pitts, with quarterback Matt Ryan at the controls, caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards and one touchdown as rookie. He caught 28 passes for 356 yards and two touchdowns before suffering a knee injury in his second season.
Pitts caught 53 passes for 667 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.
“There are no excuses that we are making about it,” Fontenot said. “Right now, at this point, like any other player, Kyle has to do everything he can to make sure he’s doing everything he can do this offseason to get the best version of himself.”
The Falcons, who picked up his $10.8 million fifth-year option, plan to help Pitts.
“We have to make sure that we are supporting him and helping him develop in those areas,” Fontenot said. “Make sure that we are doing everything to get the best out of him so that he can help this team win football games. That’s what’s most important right now.”
Pitts will be motivated to play in the final year of his rookie contract. If he has a big season, the Falcons would have to extend him or let him reach free agency.
If things are not going well, the Falcons can try to trade him before the deadline.
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