The Atlanta Falcons have weapons on offense, but inferior quarterback play has held the team back over the last two seasons, finishing 7-10 in 2022 and 2023. Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder started the majority of those two seasons.
Marcus Mariota started the first 13 games of 2022 before he got benched and underwent season-ending knee surgery. Ridder replaced Mariota in the last four games of 2022 and started in 13 of their 17 games in 2023. Both quarterbacks are no longer on the roster, as Mariota got released in 2023, and Ridder got traded to the Cardinals in 2024.
The Falcons signed a veteran quarterback to a contract.
The Atlanta Falcons signed a veteran quarterback to a 4-year contract
The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million contract.
The Falcons hope Cousins can maximize the potential of their offensive weapons, including their tight end, who has a 5th-year option due May 2. They have made their decision.
The Atlanta Falcons have made their decision
According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Falcons have exercised the 5th-year option of Kyle Pitts worth $10,878,000 for the 2025 season.
Pitts has developed into a reliable tight end, but inferior quarterback play has held him back from reaching his full potential.
Kyle Pitts has developed into a reliable tight end
The Falcons drafted Kyle Pitts in the 1st round, 4th overall of the 2021 NFL Draft. Pitts has 149 receptions on 259 targets for 2,049 yards and six touchdowns.
Pitts had his best statistical season in his rookie season. He had 68 receptions on 110 targets for 1,026 yards and one touchdown. He made it to his first Pro Bowl.
Pitts’ production dropped in his second season. He had 28 receptions on 59 targets for 356 yards and two touchdowns. He suffered a season-ending MCL tear in Week 11.
Pitts’ production increased in his third season. He had 53 receptions on 90 targets for 667 yards and three touchdowns.
Their new head coach wants to utilize him more in 2024.
The Atlanta Falcons head coach wants to utilize Kyle Pitts more in 2024
Raheem Morris told reporters that they will utilize Pitts in 2024.
“When you think about Kyle Pitts, you know what he is: big, friendly target that can catch the ball and run. Make the impossible catches in the red zone,” said Morris. “There’s going to be a plan to use those guys. There’s going to be a plan to get those guys all involved… in particularly him.”
Kirk Cousins’ love of tight ends will also help him.
Kyle Pitts will be in Atlanta for the next two years. Will he return to rookie season form?
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