Michael Penix Jr. Hypes Kyle Pitts, Says Falcons TE Should Expect 'A Lot' of Targets

Michael Penix Jr. wanted to make sure attendees at Atlanta Falcons training camp on Thursday noticed his burgeoning connection with tight end Kyle Pitts.

"See we got KP the ball today? Gonna be a lot of that," Penix told reporters after practice on Thursday (h/t Fox 5's Justin Felder).

Pitts took reps with Falcons wideouts during Thursday's practice, according to Maria Martin of Atlanta's 11 Alive News.

Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney noted that Pitts seemed to be Penix's "favorite target" early in Thursday's 11-on-11 drills.

Pitts also impressed during 2024 training camp by establishing an early connection with then-starter Kirk Cousins.

The Falcons were hoping that Cousins could help Pitts, a former No. 4 pick who earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie in 2021, bounce back from two down seasons influenced by injuries and quarterback struggles.

Those quarterback issues continued as Cousins was ultimately benched ahead of Week 16.

Pitts once more finished the campaign shy of the 1,000 receiving yards mark he recorded during his first NFL campaign, although he got a chance to play with Penix after Cousins' benching.

That late stretch of the season was highlighted when the two connected for a clutch fourth-down touchdown that sent a Week 17 game against the Washington Commanders to overtime.

The Falcons will hope that this time, the early training camp connection will translate into regular season success for Pitts as Penix heads into his first full season as the starter.

Pitts could meanwhile up the value of his next contract if he is able to record another Pro Bowl-caliber campaign. The 24-year-old is heading into the final year of his rookie contract after the Falcons exercised his $10.9 million club option ahead of the 2025 season.