Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Reveals Jersey Number; Kyle Pitts Change?

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will wear No. 18.

Upon signing with the Atlanta Falcons, one of the biggest questions facing quarterback Kirk Cousins is the jersey number he'd be donning.

The answer was revealed Monday, as Cousins claimed No. 18 - leaving tight end Kyle Pitts with the same No. 8 he's worn since entering the league in 2021.

Cousins and Pitts discussed the jersey number shortly after the 35-year-old signal caller agreed to terms on his contract. Cousins, apart from a stint as No. 12 with the now-Washington Commanders, has worn No. 8 since high school.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins and tight end Kyle Pitts / USA Today Sports

Pitts approached Cousins about the dilemma. Cousins responded with the response of a veteran.

"I said, 'Kyle, I want to be a good teammate. That's ultimately what I want to be. If this is the number you want to pivot from - great, let me know. If it's a number you'd like to keep, great, no problem - I can find another number,'" Cousins said during his introductory press conference March 13.

Cousins forecasted the NFL potentially dipping into the discussion, as players who change their jersey number are forced to buy out the remaining jerseys with their old number.

As such, Cousins wanted to do right by Pitts - and the former offered insight into what their initial conversation looked like.

"I'll write a check, whatever foundation. I'm not going to let you just give me the number, I want to make it worth your while," Cousins said.

"I just want targets every game," Pitts said jokingly while flashing a wink.

"Good answer, good answer," Cousins responded. "We'll see how it all plays out, but it might be bigger than us."

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Whether the league was involved or not, the decision is done - Pitts keeps No. 8, while Cousins moves to No. 18.