The Falcons have picked up the fifth-year option on tight end Kyle Pitts, the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
Pitts had the second-most prolific rookie season by a tight end in NFL history in his first year (68 catches, 1,026 yards) but that was with Matt Ryan at quarterback. Inconsistent quarterback play, an MCL tear 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 touchdown catches.
Despite those pedestrian numbers, picking up his option probably wasn’t a hard decision for the Falcons. Pitts will be paid in the ballpark of $10.4 million 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 should benefit from the addition of free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, who already has suggested he plans on looking in Pitts’ direction a lot this season.
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