Kyle Pitts was regarded as one of the best tight end prospects to enter the NFL in years when the Atlanta Falcons selected him fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he amassed 110 targets, 68 receptions, and 1,026 yards. However, over the last two seasons, he has barely combined for those numbers since.
Pitts is heading into his fourth year on his rookie contract and it is indeed a massive year for him in terms of his contract. The Falcons have yet to pick up his fifth-year option worth $10.878 million, so his performance in 2024 could dictate his future with the organization. The former Florida Gator has accumulated 149 receptions on 259 targets, 2,049 yards, and six touchdowns through his first three seasons in the league.
Is a return to his rookie season production on the horizon for Kyle Pitts?
Kyle Pitts 2023 Stats and Fantasy Production
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Pitts played in all 17 games last year with Atlanta. He caught 53 balls on 90 targets for 667 yards and three touchdowns. He did record his lowest yards per catch average in his career at 12.6 ypc in 2023, but his three touchdowns were the most in his young career.
In 2023, Pitts scored fantasy players 84.3 total points and 4.96 points per game in standard leagues. In half-ppr (points per reception) leagues, he compiled 110.8 season points and 6.52 points per game. In full-ppr leagues, Pitts scored 137.3 points and 8.07 points per game.
Kyle Pitts 2024 Fantasy Outlook
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Pitts will enter the season healthy and on a team with division title aspirations. Over the last two seasons, he has been considered a bit of a disappointment. After his tremendously productive rookie season, Kyle Pitts saw his usage dip substantially.
In 2022, he suffered an MCL tear during a week 11 victory over Chicago and missed the rest of the season. In 2023, his production rose back up a tick, but not near what fantasy football players envisioned when they drafted him. Part of the thought surrounding his lack of production had to do with his former head coach Arthur Smith and the sub-par quarterback play.
There are reasons to be optimistic that Pitts will rebound in 2024. Arthur Smith, notorious for not getting the ball into the hands of his best playmakers, was fired and Raheem Morris was hired as Atlanta’s head coach. Morris brought in Zac Robinson to be the Atlanta offensive coordinator after he was the Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator. The change in offensive philosophy should increase Kyle Pitts’ production and allow him to reach his potential.
Another reason to be excited about Pitts is the acquisition of former Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins. The combination of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke wasn’t getting Atlanta anywhere. Cousins has a reputation as a very solid NFL quarterback and has been selected to four Pro Bowls in his career.
According to Fantasy Pros, Pitts is projected as the 96th overall pick and the 9th tight end off the board in standard leagues. In full PPR, his ADP is 80th overall and the 10th highest drafted tight end. In half PPR, Pitts is projected as the 91st pick and the 10th tight end off the board. Entering 2024, I project Pitts to accumulate over 1,110 receiving yards, 75 receptions, and seven touchdowns.
He is projected as a mid-seventh-round selection in season-long and full PPR leagues. I would target him more in the late third to early fourth range. I envision an easy top-3 finish for the supremely talented Atlanta Falcons tight end.
Final Thoughts
Kyle Pitts will be 23 entering the season and has tons of potential and physical ability. He has a history of knee and hamstring injuries in his career. If he can stay healthy, he should be in line for a special season under the new coaching staff. Pitts is one of the Falcons’ most talented and electric playmakers.
Pitts had a decent 2023 season, but nowhere near what fantasy managers envisioned for him. He is in a great position to have a massive season in Atlanta. Pitts should easily be a top-5 tight end with overall TE1 potential in 2024.
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About the Author
Not only a writer and contributor of Total Apex Sports, Tom Harvey is also the co-founder of dynastyprosfootball.com Tom has been writing about professional wrestling, college football, NFL, and fantasy football for over a decade and is an avid sports fan. A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a History degree, he loves all things Vols. He is also a massive Atlanta Braves and Dallas Cowboys fan.
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