It’s that time of the year again for Falcons TE Kyle Pitts

Every year around this time, Falcons’ fans get their hopes up that Kyle Pitts will finally experience the same success that he had as a rookie with Matt Ryan under center.

The highest-drafted tight end in NFL history burst onto the scene in his first year, breaking a number of league and franchise records. He totaled 1,026 receiving yards, averaging more than 15 yards per reception and more than 60 yards per game. However, in the three seasons since then, Pitts has only put up 1,625 yards, which averages out to 36.9 yards per game across 44 contests.

Quarterback play is certainly a factor in that discrepancy. Matt Ryan is the only signal caller that Pitts has played with that gave the offense consistent play at the position for an entire season, but let’s not pretend that poor quarterback play is the only reason Pitts has struggled since 2021.

Injuries have also played a part. Pitts was limited to only 10 games in 2022 after suffering a knee injury in which he tore his MCL and PCL. It clearly plagued Pitts in 2023. In fact, according to Albert Breer, he had to get the knee drained that season regularly, stunting his development as a player who was still learning the position.

Now, another year removed from that injury, Kyle Pitts is once again stealing the hearts of some Falcons fans with Michael Penix Jr. in the fold.

“You see we got KP the ball today,” Penix said after the very first practice of Falcons training camp. “There’s going to be a lot of that. He’s been working hard. He’s had a great summer and I know he said he feels really good coming into camp. I can see it.”