Kyle Pitts, drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft, came into the league with high expectations as the highest-drafted tight end in history. He showed promise as a rookie with 68 catches for 1,026 yards and a Pro Bowl selection. But since then, his production has been up and down. In 2022, he missed seven games with a torn MCL and finished with just 356 yards. The next season, he stayed healthy and played all 17 games, but still only managed 667 yards and three touchdowns in a run-heavy offense with inconsistent quarterback play.
In 2024, Pitts scored a career-high four touchdowns, but had just 602 yards on 47 catches—ranking 13th among tight ends. Over the past four years, five different quarterbacks have started for Atlanta, and constant changes in the offense have slowed his development. Still, his talent is clear. Now entering his fifth season, Pitts is playing on a contract year with his fifth-year option picked up. With rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a new offensive coordinator in Zac Robinson, this could be the season Pitts finally breaks out—or it could decide whether he stays in Atlanta or hits free agency in 2026.
Zac Robinson explains why Kyle Pitts is set to shine in the Falcons' new offense
When asked how Pitts will be used in the new offense, Robinson said the focus will be on developing him as a true tight end while also helping him grow within the system. “Kyle’s a tight end first,” Robinson said. “We want to continue to develop his tight end skills. I’m expecting Kyle to take a big jump, year two in the system, year two of understanding what we’re trying to do offensively.”
If Pitts can stay healthy and build chemistry with Penix, Robinson’s system may finally give him the consistency and opportunity he’s lacked. With the pressure of a contract year and the tools around him improving, Pitts has everything in place to turn potential into production—and prove he’s still the game-changer Atlanta believed in.
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