Atlanta’s new quarterback also dove into his history with Pitts in that press conference. The two got to know each other at the 2021 Pro Bowl games. Pitts came off a stellar rookie season, notching 1,026 yards receiving and 68 catches for an average of 15.1 yards per reception. Cousins said he remembers thinking, “This guy could be dangerous,” when watching Pitts play up close.
In his sophomore campaign, the tight end sustained a season-ending knee injury. The last offseason was spent rehabbing. While Pitts registered 667 yards receiving and three touchdowns on just 53 receptions in 2023, there were questions if Pitts still had levels to reach in his recovery process.
Now, questions swirl as to whether the Falcons will pick up Pitts’ fifth-year option heading into the 2024 season. The Falcons have until May 2 to make the decision. For reference, Atlanta optioned 2020 first-round pick A.J. Terrell on April 28, 2023, with the same deadline.
A full healthy offseason could help answer those questions. Cousins could help Pitts take a large step next season, too.
In his first year, Pitts played with Matt Ryan under center. Ryan recorded a little less than 4,000 passing yards that season and 20 touchdowns. Though that was one of Ryan’s least productive seasons in his career, Pitts got a taste of consistent quarterback play. Since then, the Falcons tasked three different players with the starting quarterback role before signing Cousins in March.
Pairing a healthy Cousins — coming off an Achilles tendon rupture — with Pitts could lead to an offensive explosion Atlanta hasn’t seen in a while. I can see why Pitts is excited.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…