The Falcons were $500,000 over the $185 million salary cap for the upcoming 2021 NFL season before the team traded WR Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans. After the trade, the Falcons saved $15 million and could begin signing all nine players that were drafted this year. As of just a few minutes ago, the Falcons completed the signing process of all nine players as they locked up number four overall pick from the University of Florida, tight end Kyle Pitts.
Pitts signed a 4-year, fully guaranteed $32.9 million contract with a fifth year option. Now with the trade of Jones, Pitts is expected to make an immediate impact to the Falcon offense led by Hall of Famer to be QB Matt Ryan.
In college, Pitts was a dynamic catching tight end who had great route running and blocking skills. Nicknamed unicorn, Pitts garnered 770 yards and 12 touchdowns last year at Florida.
The nine players from this year’s draft that are signed:
- Kyle Pitts – Tight End, Florida
- Richie Grant – Safety, Central Florida
- Jalen Mayfield – Offensive Line, Michigan
- Darren Hall – Cornerback, San Diego State
- Drew Dalman – Offensive Line, Stanford
- Ta’Quon Graham – Defensive Line, Texas
- Adetokunbo Ogundeji – Outside Linebacker, Notre Dame
- Avery Williams – Cornerback, Boise State
- Frank Darby – Wide Receiver, Arizona State
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