“I was hesitant to even talk about it because you just wanted to let him go do it” — these were the words of Atlanta Falcons’ head coach Raheem Morris in the offseason. He was talking about Kyle Pitts, the fifth-year TE who got entrapped in a relentless struggle post his rookie campaign. With his production a no-show on the field, he became the epicenter of fans’ criticism. Yet, Morris hadn’t lost faith. Even though it was in silence, the head coach stood by Pitts. Indeed, he was proved to be right. 

“Really pleased on what he can do when he gets back and really pleased on working with him throughout the process,” said Morris ahead of the 2025 season. Despite the outside noise, the head coach kept Pitts as the focal point of the passing game. Four games in, and it truly feels like the winds have shifted. With 20 receptions for 205 yards and a touchdown, Pitts is ranked sixth among the tight ends across the league. 

This Sunday, against the Washington Commanders, he’s coming off his best game by recording five catches for 70 yards and a touchdown—his first of the season. Of course, the game was a 34-27 triumph. Post-game, the Falcons locker room couldn’t help but agree with Morris’ belief in Pitts, singing high praises for his comeback. 

“He’s been doing everything we’ve asked him to do and doing it at a high level. Whenever things like that happen, the ball finds you. He made another big-time play today,” said the second-year QB Michael Penix Jr.

As Penix Jr. took the center stage of offense this Summer, Pitts spent a great time building a good chemistry with him. His style wasn’t the type to practice drills, but to become golf buddies. It has been fruitful for the team. 

Against the Commanders, the two connected for an impressive 26-yard catch-and-run. Pitts’ touchdown also came in connection with the signal-caller on a 7-yard pass in the third quarter. Guard Matthew Bergeron also joined in, saying Pitts “is doing an amazing job in the run game… He’s literally like a sixth o-lineman out there.” 

This season, more than half of the passes (54% to be precise) thrown in Pitts’ way have ended up as either a first down or a touchdown. It’s something only a handful of NFL players can match at the moment. Pitts’ big third-down catch in Week 4 wasn’t just luck. Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson knew the defense’s plan and made sure Penix Jr. kept an eye out for Pitts, trusting the tight end to win a game. 

Is Kyle Pitts playing for the future in Atlanta?

An interesting element of Kyle Pitts’ comeback story is his contract. This season, he has entered the final year of his rookie contract with the team. He signed a four-year, $32.9 million contract in 2021, including a $10.8 million fifth-year option that the team exercised for 2025. Now, if things were like before, an extension wouldn’t even be up for discussion. But with his redemption arc, things might change. Is that his motivation?

“That’s something at the end of the year I’ll maybe think about,” Pitts said, dismissing the notion. Thus far, there isn’t any whisper of a potential contract extension with Atlanta. This means the negotiations are yet to begin. There were discussions back in July that the Falcons might prefer using a franchise tag on the tight end, but that might become a stretch on their salary cap. 

OverTheCap reported that the Falcons are set to increase their salary cap from $279.2 million in 2025 to $295.5 million in 2026. Still, they are $1.2 million over the cap. Adjusting the projected $16 million to keep Pitts via tag might not be too practical. Now, if backup QB Kirk Cousins (already in trade conversations) gets cut off, it would free up 19.5% cap space, aka enough to extend Pitts.