What's Falcons Plan for Kyle Pitts? Coach Raheem Morris 'Excited' About Targets

Despite coming off two down seasons, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is still a source of excitement for coach Raheem Morris.

Dec 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a touchdown / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

So far, one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Atlanta Falcons' offseason has been tight end Kyle Pitts. Ever since Raheem Morris was hired as the Falcons' new coach, Pitts has continued to benefit from the improvements this offseason, whether it be the hiring of Zac Robinson as the offensive coordinator or the recent free agent signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins. 

Pitts hasn’t been shy about his excitement for the upcoming season, as evidenced by his several Twitter posts in the wake of Cousins’ signing. But Pitts isn’t the only one excited about his fourth year in the league, as Morris is looking forward to seeing the former Florida Gator this season.

“I think he just brings nothing but excitement when you're talking about how he wants to be used, whether you spread him out … whether you have him in line, whether you have him in the backfield, for that matter,” Morris said at Tuesday’s annual league meetings. “Really excited about his usage — really excited about, as he would say, his targets.”

Dec 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a touchdown / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

As recalled in his introductory press conference, Cousins shared that Pitts told him he’d give up his No. 8 jersey number in exchange for targets. However, despite Pitts' comical offer, Cousins chose to wear No. 18 instead. 

Pitts, the former No. 4 overall pick, was one of the biggest mysteries or "underperformers" during Smith's tenure. After making a name for himself at the University of Florida as this explosive receiving tight end in college, aside from his rookie season, where he totaled over 1,000 yards, he was more of an afterthought under Smith.

Granted, injuries also contributed to Pitts' lack of production. He played in just 10 games in 2022 before a torn MCL. However, in the two seasons following his rookie year, Pitts totaled 1,023 yards and five touchdowns on 81 receptions while playing in 27 games. 

Pitts will now hope for production similar to his rookie year as he enters a potential contract year if the Falcons decide not to use his fifth-year option.