Falcons Sign First-Round TE Kyle Pitts

The Falcons now have their highest first-round pick since Matt Ryan under contract. Kyle Pitts signed his four-year rookie deal, complete with a fifth-year option, on Tuesday, Scott Bair of AtlantaFalcons.com tweets.

Pitts’ fully guaranteed deal is worth $32.9MM, with a near-$21MM signing bonus included, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. That $32.9MM guaranteed at signing leads all tight ends, surpassing Jonnu Smith‘s recent Patriots contract. Pitts’ fully guaranteed amount also exceeds All-Pro Travis Kelce‘s by more than $10MM. While the 2011 CBA did away with monster rookie contracts, Pitts’ deal dwarfing accomplished tight ends’ guarantees serves as an exception on this front.

Atlanta chose Pitts fourth overall, making the 6-foot-6 prospect the highest-drafted tight end in the common draft era. Pitts will be expected to make an impact immediately. Although tight ends often take time to develop as pros, the Falcons’ Julio Jones trade stands to put Pitts in a prime position to contribute in Arthur Smith‘s offense in his first season.

Pitts rocketed onto the NFL radar over the past two seasons. In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 slate, the Florida pass catcher posted 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns in just eight games. Pitts, who will not turn 21 until October, caught 54 passes for 649 yards and five TDs as a sophomore in 2019.

Atlanta was linked to quarterbacks at No. 4 overall for a stretch, but the team opted to extend the Ryan era and give him a potentially elite weapon. Pitts will be a vital part of Smith and GM Terry Fontenot‘s rebuild effort.