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The rumors are true, Kyle Pitts is indeed BACK

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 12:48 PM ET

Among the many positives from the Falcons’ 34-27 win over the Commanders, Kyle Pitts delivered his best performance of the season, catching five passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.

The season-long numbers still don’t quite match what you’d expect from the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history. Through four games, Pitts has 20 receptions for 205 yards and just the one score he recorded on Sunday.

But the box score doesn’t tell the full story. This version of Kyle Pitts looks far closer to the player who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021. He’s recorded at least four receptions in every game this season — something he last did during Weeks 13-16 of that rookie campaign.

There have also been more yards (and points) left on the field because of quarterback play. Michael Penix Jr. has flashed plenty of promise in his first four starts, but he’s also shown the inconsistency one should expect from a young quarterback. On several occasions, Penix has simply missed Pitts in the red zone on what could have been walk-in touchdowns.

Zac Robinson has schemed Pitts wide-open over the middle two weeks in a row for should-be touchdowns, and Penix has missed both. QB is not trusting what he sees over the middle pic.twitter.com/1ytHGihmrt

— Tre’Shon (@tre3shon) September 22, 2025

Similar concept on back to back playcalls in redzone

1st: Motion Drake to stack double post on Penix misses low post for TD elects for check down

2nd: Motion Drake to bunch/trips misses Kyle Pitts over the middle elects for check down Bijan drops it pic.twitter.com/MaYj8q2JnR

— Juke (@Jukejuke99) September 16, 2025

With a veteran quarterback, Pitts might already have 300 yards and 3-4 touchdowns through four weeks. The hope is that trust between him and Michael Penix Jr. will continue to grow, and performances like Sunday should only accelerate that process.

For the past three years, Pitts has been a lightning rod for criticism — and deservedly so — but nobody could quite pinpoint why he wasn’t producing.

Was it quarterback play? Being stuck in a run-heavy offense with Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke could make almost any pass catcher look ordinary.

Was it injuries? Pitts has reportedly been managing a lingering knee issue that hasn’t been 100% since 2022.

Was it effort? At times, Pitts appeared disengaged, running lazy routes or pulling up early on passes that were headed his way.

Whatever the cause, the version of Kyle Pitts we’ve seen in 2025 looks different. He’s playing with urgency, fighting through contact, and creating separation again. Perhaps it’s simply the motivation of a contract year, but if Pitts keeps this up, he’ll be in line for a massive payday this offseason, and the Falcons might finally be unlocking the player they thought they were drafting fourth overall.

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This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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