NFL Rumors: Kyle Pitts' $10.9M Contract Option for 2025 Season Exercised by Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons reportedly exercised the fifth-year option in Kyle Pitts' contract on Monday, guaranteeing him $10.9 million for the 2025 season, per ESPN's Field Yates.

Pitts, the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NFL draft, has put together a pair of disappointing seasons since his breakout rookie campaign. He recorded 53 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns in 2023, at times taking a backseat to fellow tight end Jonnu Smith.

The Falcons fired coach Arthur Smith in a move they hope will ultimately allow Pitts to emerge into one of the sport's premier pass-catching tight ends. Pitts recorded 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and a touchdown as a rookie in 2021, becoming the second rookie tight end in NFL history to top the 1,000-yard mark.

Smith's confusing usage of Pitts over the following two seasons dimmed the Florida product's shine and left some questions as to whether the Falcons would exercise their option on his contract.

The positionless nature of Pitts' alignment in the offense also allowed for some ambiguity as to whether Pitts' option would categorize him as a tight end or wide receiver. If he were considered a wide receiver, the Falcons would be on the hook for $19.4 million in 2025.

Pitts spent most of last season lining up in the slot or out wide as a receiver, rather than in a traditional tight end spot.

"He's a receiver," former Falcons edge rusher Bud Dupree said in December. "Definitely should be a receiver."

If the Falcons were to classify Pitts as a receiver, he'd be much closer to a bust than if we were to categorize him as a tight end. As a tight end, Pitts has been solid but underperformed his lofty draft standing.

Atlanta guaranteeing Pitts' fifth year is a sign that the front office agrees with most fan assessments that the versatile tight end was being misused by Smith.