The Atlanta Falcons have started OTAs just like the rest of the NFL. Two players have not participated in the OTAs so far. One is veteran QB Kirk Cousins, who may not even suit up for the Falcons this season as Michael Penix Jr. is moving into the starting role.
Cousins was asked about the possibility of retirement and told Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick that now isn’t the time.
“I’ve gone back several years now, I’ve kind of always taken the approach of one year at a time because I know how much one year in this league can change the conversation,” Cousins said. “So, I just kind of go year-to-year, but sitting here after Year 13, I do still have a desire to play.”
The second player not participating in OTAs is Kyle Pitts, who is dealing with a foot injury. The former first-round pick is entering the final year of his contract with Atlanta, but he might not even be playing for them this upcoming season.
“Multiple teams have reached out to the Falcons about the availability of TE Kyle Pitts.” While Schultz notes that “nothing is imminent” and Atlanta would still prefer to keep him, it would reportedly take “at least a Day 2 pick to even spark serious talks,” NFL Insider Jordan Schultz wrote.
With Pitts in contact with other teams, trade speculation has started to rise. A potential landing spot for Pitts could be somewhere he can help the team become a mismatch in the scheme department.
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“Washington might have to pay a bit of a premium to snag Pitts from a potential playoff rival. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury could have a lot of fun scheming up mismatches with Pitts, Sinnott, Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel in the passing game,” Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote.
Adding Pitts would be a huge boost, especially with Jayden Daniels as his quarterback. The Commanders are definitely a team to watch if the Pitts trade rumors heat up.