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Falcons HC Raheem Morris reacts to picking up Kyle Pitts' fifth-year option

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated 5/13/24

Two weeks ago the Atlanta Falcons picked up Kyle Pitts' fifth-year contract option which means he gets a guaranteed salary of $10.878 million in 2025 and is a part of the team's future plans.

Pitts, who was drafted fourth overall pick in 2021, has been an exceptional tight end when healthy.

He earned a Pro Bowl nod during his rookie year for hauling in 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and a touchdown.

The following year, Pitts was bit by the injury bug and limited to 10 games after he suffered an MCL tear. He reeled in 28 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns before undergoing season-ending surgery.

Last season, Pitts not only battled through his injury recovery but also bad quarterback play. However, he still managed to catch 53 passes for 667 yards and three touchdowns.

Kyle Pitts' Best Season is On the Way

He'll now enter his fourth NFL season in 2024 and Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is excited about what Pitts can accomplish with a new quarterback and offense in play.

“If we can get this guy going, we all know what he could be,” Morris told reporters during rookie minicamp over the weekend. “That’s the job of the coach, to find out what a player can be and go get the best out of him. Hopefully, myself, along with my staff, and all of our coaches, we can go and get the best version of Kyle Pitts because that will be really good for all of us.”

Possibly the best part about Pitts' Year 4 is that he will be back to full health. And as long as everything falls into place, you can expect a breakout year from the 23-year-old tight end.

“He’s very excited about being healthy, and so are we,” Morris said. “Getting a healthy Kyle Pitts gives you a really dynamic player that we believe in a lot. Hence, the picking up of his option [and] letting him be apart of our immediate and hopefully our long-term future.”

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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