Earlier today The Morning Shift was talking about what kind of numbers and statistics they would like to see Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts produce this season, and gave three reasons why they think the former fourth overall pick is set up to have the best season of his career.
- A big year likely means a big 2nd contract from the Falcons or another team
Pitts signed the franchise tag earlier this spring. Falcons General manager Ian Cunningham said at the time the organization was using the tag to allow coaches a chance to further evaluate what they have in Pitts without having to worry about the tight end hitting the free agent market, and for Pitts, he took the tag as a positive.
"(It's) Ian taking a chance," Pitts said. "It's kind of like my fifth-year option, but its a sixth-year option. It's a blessing to be able to get that year without saying go test the market. They trusted that they see something in (me), and that's pretty cool to see."
It seems like Pitts knows Atlanta’s new regime has belief in what he could be for the team, and knows a big year likely means a big second contract from the Falcons, and if not the Falcons another team.
- He has his old QB Matt Ryan back as a leader
Kyle had his best season with Matty Ice as his quarterback in Pitts’ rookie year, and now with Matt back as the Falcons President of Football Kyle has that leader back that seemed to know how to get the most out of him, and Ryan can possibly give Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, Falcons Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees, and the rest of Atlanta’s offense the recipe to the secret sauce that’s needed to get the best from Pitts.
- He’s going to be in a Tight End friendly offense
Head coach Kevin Stefanski began his NFL career coaching tight ends, and has a deep appreciation for the position which consistently shows up in his offenses, so Pitts could be a natural fit in a Stefanski-influenced offense, which has historically featured tight ends as versatile weapons in both the passing game and the running game.
Pitts has said he has already noticed that influence while learning Atlanta's new system as well.
"I would say adding more tools to my tool box, letting me do a couple more things in terms of route running, schematically," Pitts explained. "Being an asset in this offense."
Falcons offensive pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand would likely second Pitts’ thoughts because he in his own words said he definitely thinks the former Florida Gator is going to a “big piece” of the offense
"I think Kyle is going to be a big piece of this thing," Engstrand said. "He had huge production last year. He's clearly one of the top guys in the league at that spot. Hopefully, we see a lot more of what we saw last year out of him, and he can continue on that upward trend."
You put all of that together and Kyle Pitts is definitely set up to have the best season of his career.
