Video: Falcons' Kirk Cousins Hypes QB-Friendly Kyle Pitts Ahead of 2024 NFL Season

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has been impressed with tight end Kyle Pitts during training camp.

"Well, I think he has a couple traits," Cousins told reporters Wednesday. "He can really run, and those guys don't grow on trees. He's got length, and as a quarterback, that's really, really friendly. What I'm encouraging him with is to use that length as much as he can."

The 23-year-old is looking to bounce back from up-and-down seasons in 2022 and 2023 after he made a Pro Bowl appearance as a rookie in 2021.

The offseason addition of Cousins could help Pitts improve, as the signal-caller signed a massive four-year, $180 million deal to join Atlanta on March 11 after spending the prior six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

While Cousins has been impressed with the tight end, he's also encouraging him to improve in several key areas ahead of his fourth year in the NFL.

"Anytime he lets the ball into his body, I tell him, 'That wasn't good enough. You should never let it come into your body, you're too good to let it come into your body,'" Cousins added. "So I challenge him with that."

Pitts initially appeared to be heading towards stardom, racking up 1,026 receiving yards as a rookie after the Falcons selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 draft. However, he recorded just 356 yards in 10 games during his second year before hauling in 53 catches for 667 yards in 2023.

There's also some uncertainty surrounding Cousins, as the four-time Pro Bowler is coming off a season-ending torn Achilles. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told the media on July 25 that the veteran was medically cleared to practice, but he would receive "modified reps."

If Pitts can get back on track in 2024 alongside Bijan Robinson and Drake London in Atlanta's offense, the team should have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season.