Kyle Pitts, once dubbed the "unicorn" of the NFL, concluded his 2024 season with mixed results. Expectations were high for Pitts after recovering from a knee injury in 2022, anticipating a return to his rookie Pro Bowl form. However, while he set a personal best with four touchdowns, he recorded career lows in other metrics apart from his injury-shortened season.
Despite these challenges, Pitts ranked among the top 15 or 20 tight ends in various categories and demonstrated glimpses of potential early on, achieving five games with over 50 receiving yards before the Week 12 bye.
Charlie Woerner emerged as another key player in Atlanta's tight end group. Returning to his home state, Woerner was recruited for his blocking abilities and contributed significantly to the Falcons' top-10 rushing offense. Running back Bijan Robinson commended Woerner's efforts: "It helps tremendously... I'm like, 'Yo, Charlie, that was amazing. Thank you.'"
The tight end group collectively accounted for 653 receiving yards and supported a productive rushing year.
Looking ahead to 2025, questions arise about Pitts' future with the Falcons. With his fifth-year option exercised but becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026 unless extended, comparisons are drawn to previous first-round picks Chris Lindstrom and A.J. Terrell who received extensions before their contract expiration.
General Manager Terry Fontenot addressed Pitts' situation: "When you take a player that high in the draft... there's no excuses we're making about it... Kyle has to do everything he can do this offseason to get the best version of himself."
The organization faces decisions on how best to support Pitts' development and contribution toward team success moving forward.
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