Matt Ryan 'fired up' by Falcons drafting TE Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Matt Ryan is telling anyone who will listen he's a big fan of rookie tight end Kyle Pitts. 

Ryan admitted last week he wanted the Falcons to spend the fourth overall draft selection on the standout prospect who made his name with the Florida Gators, and the signal-caller told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer he wasn't the only member of his family happy with the club's decision. 

"I was fired up!" Ryan explained about seeing the Falcons take Pitts. "I mean, I watched this guy play through college, so it was like, Oh, alright, let’s go! I was watching it with my wife, and I think she was probably more fired up than me." 

Ryan knows he'll be Atlanta's QB1 for at least one more season, but his offense could soon lose a familiar face. Star wide receiver Julio Jones told Fox Sports 1's Shannon Sharpe on Monday that he's "out of there" when asked about his playing future in Atlanta. The Falcons have reportedly fielded calls from interested clubs about Jones and are allegedly seeking a first-round pick but would be willing to lower the price to a second-round selection if necessary. 

The New England Patriots are among teams linked with the 32-year-old receiver in trade rumors.