Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts was regarded as one of the best TE prospects to enter the league in years when the Falcons drafted him No. 4 overall in 2021. But after debuting with a 68-catch, 1,026-yard season as a rookie, Pitts has been considered a disappointment the last two seasons. Pitts played 10 games in 2022 before a torn MCL ended his season prematurely. He ranked TE18 in PPR fantasy scoring when he went down, with 28 catches for 356 yards and two touchdowns. Last season, Pitts had 53 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns, finishing TE13 in PPR scoring. There are reasons to be optimistic that Pitts will rebound in 2024. Arthur Smith, notorious for not getting the ball into the hands of his best playmakers, was dismissed as Atlanta's head coach. Also, it's possible that Pitts was still bothered by the lingering effects of the knee injury, as we learned that he had also sustained PCL damage in addition to the MCL tear. The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins in the offseason, dramatically upgrading the QB position. Pitts has immense athletic talent and entered the league with a sterling college résumé. This might be a good time to buy in, with two dissatisfying seasons likely meaning a discounted price for Pitts in 2024 fantasy drafts.

The Atlanta Falcons are exercising the fifth-year option for Kyle Pitts.

Fantasy Impact

As expected, the Falcons will pick up the fifth-year option to keep Pitts under contract for another season. He has been a bit disappointing so far relative to how much he was hyped up after being drafted fourth overall back in 2021, but this season he will finally be healthy and will presumably have good quarterback play from Kirk Cousins. This move was expected but still adds a bit more long-term security to the tight end's profile.