The Atlanta Falcons front office has made it clear that it will operate outside of league expectations. That has been the case with how the franchise has handled an awkward situation with Kirk Cousins, and when it comes to trade rumors around Kyle Pitts. Atlanta is more interested in retaining all of its weapons than attempting to trade expiring contracts.
It makes sense for the franchise to give Michael Penix Jr. at least one season of working with the full weapons group. Before Kirk Cousins was injured, the Falcons' offense flashed just how potentially lethal it could be. Penix drives this point home, having a superior arm and being far more aggressive.
No one should be more excited about this than Pitts, who is preparing for a contract year. One that is going to end with the tight end shockingly cashing in on an impressive season. While there are effort concerns, there is no questioning the pass catcher's natural talent. This was displayed in his rookie season when Matt Ryan would often force a throw to the best receiver on the active roster. Pitts rewarded this with a huge rookie season and has been a frustration ever since.
Falcons Tight End Kyle Pitts Poised to Cash in on Contract Year
Everything about the way Penix plays the position sets Pitts up for a huge season that is going to result in a payday. It is important to be clear here that a huge year doesn't indicate Pitts is going to surpass or come close to the impact of Drake London or Bijan Robinson. Rather, the numbers are going to return close to his rookie season based simply on the attention Atlanta's other elite targets will demand.
Pitts has a chance to consistently create big plays and use his frame to take advantage of consistent mismatches. These are the types of throws the Falcons have been missing for the last three seasons since pushing Matt Ryan out. Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder had zero chance of making these plays, and Cousins rarely tried.
The Atlanta tight end has often been the source of frustration for continuing to fail to produce at expected levels. Add in the questionable effort and lack of big moments, and the reasons why fans are tiring of the questions around the pass catcher are clear. Still, looking at the fit and offensive style of Zac Robinson, there has never been a better time to once again buy into the potential of the frustrating player.