When the Atlanta Falcons selected Kyle Pitts with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the hope was that they had secured a game-changing tight end with the potential to be one of the best in the league. After an impressive rookie season where Pitts caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards, expectations soared. However, the following years have been a rollercoaster for the young tight end, marked by injuries and inconsistent performances.
Flashes of Brilliance, but Inconsistent Play
Pitts’ rookie year had fans and analysts alike excited about his future. With his unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism, he showed he could be a dominant force. Unfortunately, after a knee injury in his second season, Pitts hasn’t been able to replicate those rookie numbers. Over the last two seasons, he has caught just 100 passes for 1,269 yards, which doesn’t quite meet the expectations set by his early success.
Despite the setbacks, the Falcons have remained hopeful. In fact, they picked up Pitts' option for the 2025 season, signaling that they still believe in his potential. However, as Falcons head coach Raheem Morris pointed out during his visit to PFT Live at the Scouting Combine, the time for Pitts to take that next step is now.
A Talent Waiting to Break Out
Morris is clear about Pitts’ potential but also acknowledges the inconsistency in his performances. “He has some moments that leave you wanting more, leave you desiring more,” said Morris. “With a guy like Michael Penix that believes in him, you want to see if you can get more.” For the Falcons to move forward and truly make Pitts a central piece of their offense, it will take more than just flashes of brilliance. The goal for this year is to develop him into a consistent, game-changing threat.
Morris also added that there are games where Pitts "looks like potentially the best player on the football team," but those moments have been few and far between. The Falcons now have to unlock his full potential and help him achieve the kind of consistency that the team needs. If they can do that, there’s no doubt that Pitts will be in line for a significant payday in the near future.
The Time Is Now for Pitts to Deliver
Pitts’ path to greatness is still wide open, but his performance in the coming season will be critical. If he can put together a full season of dominant, consistent play, it could change everything for his future with the Falcons. However, the last four years have shown that reaching that next level of play won’t come easily. If the Falcons can finally tap into that untapped potential, Pitts could be in for a big contract come next season. But for now, all eyes are on him as he works to prove that he can live up to the immense expectations that have followed him since his rookie year.
As the Falcons reshape their offense and focus on making Pitts a more reliable weapon, this season could very well determine whether Pitts fulfills his promise as one of the NFL’s elite tight ends or if he continues to leave fans wanting more. One thing’s for sure: 2025 is a pivotal year for Kyle Pitts, and the Falcons are betting that this is the year he finally breaks out.
