Off the field, the relationship between Kirk Cousins and Kyle Pitts was apparently under consideration before the veteran quarterback agreed to terms on a massive $180 million contract with the Falcons on Monday.
While enjoying a trip to Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Cousins, who spent the past six seasons in Minnesota with the Vikings, noticed the following from the Atlanta tight end’s number: I received your message. He is ready to take us to the Promised Land. ” According to the Falcons official website.
Cousins, 35, said Wednesday. at his inaugural press conference,attention Pitts’ recruitment efforts began “a few weeks ago.”
Cousins, who first met Pitts, 23, at the 2022 Pro Bowl, is excited about his new start in Atlanta, which prioritizes the quarterback position in free agency.
Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler who returned from an Achilles injury in October 2023, is eager to work with Pitts and fellow Atlanta playmakers Bijan Robinson and Drake Rondon.
But first, there’s the question of deciding who will wear No. 8 for the Falcons when the 2024 season begins.
“He actually texted me about it,” said Cousins, who has worn No. 8 since high school. “So I said, ‘If there’s a number you want to pivot, that’s fine, let me know.’
When Cousins said he would write a check or donate, Pitts told his new quarterback, “I just want a target every game.”
Pitts, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, rushed for over 1,026 yards in his rookie season, but missed 2022 with a torn MCL.
He appeared in 17 games in 2023, but had 53 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns as the Falcons were weighed down by middling quarterback play from Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke.
The buzz surrounding Cousins to Atlanta has been building for some time.
before free agency begins Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports. Cousins and Pitts have reportedly been in touch about who will wear No. 8.
Pitts responded to the chat. “This is really interesting…you guys can come up with anything,” he posted to X earlier this month.
The interaction could raise questions about whether tampering occurred, as the chemistry between Cousins and Pitts is building.
As Florio pointed out Wednesday, “It’s not tampering if Pitts simply did it on his own, but it is tampering if he did it knowingly or at the direction of his team.”
