The Falcons offseason is going to be defined by what they do at the quarterback position. Their 2024 season hinges on upgrading it.
However, there are other housekeeping items that must be addressed. A.J. Terrell is eligible for a contract extension, and Atlanta is expected to at least get the ball rolling on that front.
The Falcons also have other roster needs they have to address other than quarterback. Terry Fontenot needs to surround Drake London with more pass catchers; Terrell needs a running mate, and Arnold Ebiketie needs a pass rusher opposite of him.
Moreover, Kyle Pitts’ fifth-year option needs to be exercised or not, and we were just made aware of the price, which is set to be around $10.9 million in 2025, according to Tom Pelissero.
And here are the fifth-year option numbers for 2021 first-round picks — a list including Trevor Lawrence, Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, Penei Sewell, Pat Surtain II, DeVonta Smith, Justin Fields and Micah Parsons, among others.
Teams have until May 2 to exercise the options. pic.twitter.com/DHbJUB5sQQ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 23, 2024
Kyle Pitts broke onto the scene as a rookie, putting up 1,026 yards on 68 receptions en route to a Pro Bowl. He nearly broke Mike Ditka’s all-time record for receiving by a rookie tight end, and everyone believed the highest-drafted tight end ever was off to an all-time great career.
That didn’t come to fruition over the next couple of years. His next two seasons were marred by a season-ending injury and shotty quarterback play. Over the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, Pitts only recorded 1,023 yards on 81 receptions.
However, he’s expected to be more healthy in 2024, another year removed from the knee injury, Zac Robinson is regarded as one of the brightest young offensive minds in the game, and the team is supposed to upgrade the quarterback position. There’s reason to be optimistic about Kyle Pitts’ future in Atlanta.
Even among the most pessimistic fans, there should be no hesitation about exercising the Falcons’ 2021 first-round pick’s fifth-year option. Pitts will play under the option in 2025.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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