Kyle Pitts Has 'Personal Vendetta to Get Back' to Best Form, Falcons HC Morris Says | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Coming off two straight disappointing seasons, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is making a strong impression on new head coach Raheem Morris.

Speaking to reporters from Falcons organized team activities, Morris talked about Pitts' "personal vendetta to get back" to his peak form in 2024:

"I see a young guy that's eager to learn, wants more, and his 'why' is really him—his personal vendetta to get back. And I love that about him, because you gotta have a little edge, and he's starting to show that a little bit more every day. And the better we can get him, to get him ready to go in training camp, I think the team will be better, I think our city will be better. I think everything will be better."

The Falcons made Pitts the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history when they selected him with the fourth overall pick in 2021.

Pitts made Atlanta's belief in him look smart right out of the gate. He became just the second rookie tight end with at least 1,000 receiving yards and averaged 15.1 yards per reception.

Things have been rough for Pitts over the past two seasons due to a combination of injuries, inconsistent quarterback play and a now-former head coach who seemed to push back against the idea of using his best skill-position players.

Early in the 2022 season, then-Falcons coach Arthur Smith pushed back when asked about Pitts' lack of involvement in the offense.

Tori McElhaney @tori_mcelhaney

More context for this quote: <br>"Kyle is a huge part of our offense. You just have to take it with context. Other guys made plays. It's not fantasy football. We're just trying to win. We will continue to look at everything and try to get better."

Pitts wound up playing in only 10 games during his second season due to knee and hamstring injuries.

Despite playing in all 17 games last season, Pitts acknowledged he was still dealing with the lingering effects from the torn MCL and PCL suffered in 2022.

"I wouldn't say it was so much bad during the games. It was more the preparation during the week and dealing with the soreness and tightness," Pitts said. "Then Sunday, you figured it out, but all during the week it was a grind."

Now, Pitts says it feels "amazing" to be "1000 percent" healthy going into a season.

This season will mark the best situation Pitts has had to succeed since entering the NFL. Kirk Cousins, assuming he stays healthy coming off a torn Achilles, could be the best quarterback he has ever played with.

New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will almost certainly incorporate elements of Sean McVay's system into his scheme. The 37-year-old spent the past five seasons on McVay's staff with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Falcons are betting on Pitts being at full strength going forward. They exercised his fifth-year option earlier this offseason that guarantees him $10.9 million in 2025.