Kyle Pitts, tight end for the Atlanta Falcons, has drawn scrutiny after missing the first day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), as tensions rise around his contract situation. Pitts, who was the Falcons’ No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, remains on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal while negotiations for a new contract continue.
Once regarded as a promising talent selected ahead of notable players like Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, and Patrick Surtain II, Pitts has experienced an uneven NFL journey. Despite a standout rookie season, inconsistencies in his performance have fueled the ongoing dispute over his compensation with the Falcons.
Performance and Contract Context Behind Pitts’ Absence
In his first year, Pitts tallied 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, signaling a strong start to his professional career. However, subsequent seasons have seen a decline, with none surpassing 53 receptions, 670 yards, or four touchdowns. This dip has influenced the Falcons’ decision not to rush into a contract extension.
John Middlekauff, a former NFL scout and analyst, expressed frustration with Pitts skipping the initial OTA session. Speaking on the ‘3 and Out with John Middlekauff’ show, Middlekauff called Pitts’ stance on contract valuation “insane,” pointing out that the player’s $11 million salary on the fifth-year option is reasonable given last season’s output.
“There was a report that Kyle Pitts did not show up. And, the way that it was reported… it’s that he’s not that comfortable on the fifth year option for almost $11 million. If that is the case, that’s f****** insane. The guy caught 47 balls and 600 yards and 4 touchdowns last year… For almost $11 million, which seems more than fair given your production.” —John Middlekauff, NFL analyst
Potential Outlook for Pitts’ Upcoming Contract Negotiations
Although Pitts has shown he deserves consideration for a better deal, the Falcons currently control his contract rights through at least 2025. Financial assessments, such as those from Over The Cap, estimate his market value closer to $8.2 million per season, which falls below his current salary on the fifth-year option.
This gap has made negotiations challenging, and the Falcons are unlikely to expedite a new contract without clearer improvement in Pitts’ on-field impact. The tight end’s absence from OTAs signals a tense standoff that will likely influence the Falcons’ offseason strategy and the player’s future with the team.