The Atlanta Falcons have waited for Kyle Pitts to come alive in the offense since he was drafted fourth overall in 2021. It seems every season has brought a new quarterback or coach to blame for the failures of the supposedly talented tight end. However, now 12 weeks into Pitts' fifth season in the league, it is time to admit the Falcons must turn the page. This was on full display in Sunday's 24-10 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Atlanta gave up only one touchdown on the day; it was a pick-six from Justin Reid caused by the hands of Pitts. Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins delivered an accurate ball that bounced off the hands of Pitts and into the lap of Reid. It is a familiar theme that happened a season ago in the first start of Michael Penix Jr.'s young career.
That blunder is indicative of a player who cannot finish and plays with a noted lack of edge. There is no longer any debate that Pitts' rookie season, when the pass catcher surpassed 1,000 yards, was the outlier. The performance should be a credit to former Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan. Now, almost five seasons are telling the Falcons and their fans that this isn't going to happen again.
Falcons Must Turn the Page on Kyle Pitts in 2026 Offseason
For all the advantages that his size offers him, Pitts plays incredibly small and finds ways to play below his talent level. There isn't a consistent ability to make the contested catches, and a clear reason for whoever starts at quarterback to shy away from a player that should be a consistently featured weapon.
This has been on display for the last three seasons and was further evidenced by the fact that blocking tight end Charlie Woerner was far more efficient, catching all three of his targets, while Pitts managed to catch only two of his five targets, with one of these misses being the previously mentioned interception.
For the Falcons, this is a problem that is going to solve itself with the tight end slated to hit free agency at the end of the season. It is time for Atlanta to turn the page and attempt to use the roster spot Pitts is occupying to find more reliable weapons for the passing game. Whether it's the NFL draft, free agency, or trade market, the Falcons will have a plethora of options to consider.
Atlanta has to realize that Pitts' selection was a clear bust with far more talented players remaining on the board when general manager Terry Fontenot and ex-head coach Arthur Smith opted to draft the Florida product. Ja'Marr Chase and Micah Parsons will be at the top of Atlanta's list of regrets when looking back at weapons the franchise could've added.
Regardless, it is time to end the cycle of hoping that Pitts will become someone he clearly isn't. Pitts plays a soft style of football that simply hasn't fit in the Falcons' offense, proving this season should be his last in Atlanta.