Emanuel B. from Seattle, Washington
I'm sure you get this question a whole lot but I'm ask it again anyways. Do you think all the backlash for Kyle Pitts is warranted? Do you think the organization still believes in him, and does he still want to be a Falcon? He really only had two years healthy as a pro and one QB whose play was consistent throughout the year. With Michael Penix Jr. I think we could really see him get back to being the player we needed. Thoughts? Thanks again!
Yes, I do get these type of Kyle-Pitts-related question a lot. It doesn't bother me. I understand where everyone is coming from. You draft a tight end with the No. 4 overall pick in a draft. You want that pick to work. That's not to say Pitts isn't working for Atlanta. I think it's just a bit of a reality check that not every first-round pick is going to put up generational numbers, especially not when the ball has to go into other hands as well. Comparing the roster in 2025 to Pitts' first year when he was putting up generational numbers, there are a lot more mouths to feed.
In 2021, there was no true WR1. Julio Jones was traded to Tennessee, and the Falcons only got four games out of Calvin Ridley. In 2021, the running back room was aging. Though Cordarrelle Patterson was a bright spot for the run game, there still wasn't longevity there and (at the time) you did have to wonder if the novelty of Patterson running the rock would wear off in 2022. It did eventually wane.
In 2024 and 2025, circumstances around Pitts have drastically changed. Drake London and Darnell Mooney are two of the most consistent producers in the league at the receiver position. The running back duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier is one of the most powerful and respected in the league as well. I actually think that four or five targets for Pitts a game is pretty fair given how many times we know the ball is going to — nay, has to — go to Robinson on the ground or London through the air. That's why I don't think you're going to see that much of a change in usage for Pitts from 2024 to 2025. He's going to get some deep shots with Michael Penix Jr. as his quarterback. It'll be up to him to make the most of those chances, like he did against the Commanders at the end of last year or the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay in October.
As for last two questions...
Does the organization still believe in him? Yes. They do. Coaches and front office personnel have said as much, while still expressing that they, too, would like to see more from Pitts. Zac Robinson wants to see more detail and finesse in his game. Terry Fontenot wants to see more production. If they didn't believe in Pitts, they'd package him elsewhere, because there are likely teams out there that would have happily acquired Pitts on his final contract year. But they haven't, and that – to me — displays belief.
Does Pitts still want to be a Falcon? I will confess I haven't asked Pitts this question verbatim. But honestly? I shouldn't have to because the answer doesn't really matter one way or another. If the answer is yes, then alright. Let's see what he can do in Year 5. If the answer is no, then alright. Let's see what he can do in Year 5. His answer doesn't change the fact that he is playing to show teams (whether it be the Falcons or otherwise) that he is a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. His answer to that question — in my mind — doesn't change the need to be able to do so.