Latest news with #AtlantaFalcons
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ESPN breaks down trade rumors surrounding Falcons TE Kyle Pitts
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has been the subject of trade rumors over the last few days. With the former No. 4 overall pick entering the final year of his rookie contract, multiple teams have reportedly reached out to the Falcons to check Pitts' availability. On Friday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Atlanta is seeking at least a Day 2 pick as compensation for the 24-year-old. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added some additional context on Saturday. Advertisement "If Atlanta gets the right kind of a deal for Kyle Pitts, it very well could come together," said Fowler. "I don't think it's a situation where they're aggressively shopping him but it appears, talking to some other teams that think Atlanta is at least open to the possibility and Pitts might be as well." Fowler went on to explain that while Pitts is open to a trade, he's still loves Atlanta and isn't requesting to be moved. "I'm told he loves Atlanta," continued Fowler. "This is not a situation where he's requesting a trade. But if he has a chance to go to maybe a better offense where he's more featured -- he's kind of a third or fourth wheel in Atlanta -- could be something that he's open to." The Falcons probably aren't desperate to move Pitts unless they get an offer they can't refuse. Pitts lived up to massive expectations as a rookie, racking up over 1,000 receiving yards, but he struggled to match that production over the last three seasons. Advertisement Tight ends need the ball to make an impact, and Pitts hasn't been featured as much since Matt Ryan was still in Atlanta. The fifth-year tight end failed to develop chemistry with former Falcons quarterbacks Desmond Ridder, Marcus Mariota and Taylor Heinicke. The 2024 season was supposed to be different for Pitts due to veteran Kirk Cousins taking over at quarterback, but Cousins' production was wildly inconsistent. 2025 might be Pitts' last shot to prove he can be a difference maker on offense. Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is still high on the young tight end and expects big things from him this season. "I'm expecting Kyle to take a big jump," said Robinson. "You know, Year 2 two of the system. Year 2 of understanding what we're trying to do offensively. All those things that come with it, so expecting a lot of good things from Kyle. He knows what he needs to work on with the details, some of the fundamentals and techniques." Advertisement Pitts has recorded 196 catches for 2,651 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns since entering the league in 2021. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons TE Kyle Pitts: Latest trade reports and rumors
Fox Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Falcons' Darnell Mooney: 'I didn't come here for 1,000 yards; I came here to win'
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney is entering his second season with the Atlanta Falcons, and he has one goal in mind: winning. "I didn't really come here [to Atlanta] for 1,000 yards. I came here to win," Mooney said Friday, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "So, for, you know, anybody that's like creating that as a top tier for the receivers, that's not what I came here to do. I came here to win games." Mooney totaled 64 receptions for 992 yards (a career-high 15.5 yards per reception) and a career-high five touchdowns last season. He ranked 36th among wide receivers with a 74.0 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Mooney missed one game due to a shoulder injury, which was a Week 18 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Mooney offered up analysis on his 2024 performance. "I did pretty well with the deep routes, and the biggest thing that I want to do is catch the ball and take something to the [end zone]," Mooney said. "Make at least three people miss, have some exciting plays." Mooney is entering the second season of a three-year, $39 million deal with the Falcons. The receiver spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears (2020-23), where he totaled 81 receptions for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns in 2021. Granted, Mooney averaged just 36 receptions for 454 receiving yards per season from 2022-23. Mooney is part of a Falcons' pass-catching corps that includes wide receivers Drake London — who totaled a career high in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,271) and receiving touchdowns (nine) in 2024 — and Ray-Ray McCloud (career-high with both 62 receptions and 686 receiving yards in 2024) and tight end Kyle Pitts. Atlanta also has star running back Bijan Robinson, who earned a Pro Bowl nod last season after rushing for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns, while tallying 431 receiving yards. Atlanta benched veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr., selected with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Washington, after 14 games. The Falcons went 1-2 with Penix under center and missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record. That said, Penix is Atlanta's future at quarterback, and Mooney is enthusiastic about what's to come with the second-year signal-caller. "He throws the ball very, very far," Mooney said about Penix. "He has a strong arm. He can get it out whenever he needs to. Like, if it feels like he's late, he won't be late. He can get the ball there in time." Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Football League Atlanta Falcons Darnell Mooney recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
How Bears DT Grady Jarrett is stepping into leadership role
How Bears DT Grady Jarrett is stepping into leadership role The Chicago Bears made an impact addition this offseason with veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who brings talent and experience to the table. Having spent the first 10 years of his career with the Atlanta Falcons, Jarrett appeared in one Super Bowl, was named to the Pro Bowl twice, and was a Second-team All-Pro in 2019, so his resume comes as one that should be respected in his new locker room. With several new veterans and coaches in place to help turn the Bears franchise around, the team is going to have to come together under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. In order to get the team on the same page, veterans like Jarrett will be looked at as leaders, even in his first year, to help get the team to where they want to be. Last week during OTAs, Jarrett discussed the reception he's been receiving in the locker room from his new teammates. "More importantly than a voice, I think just the way you come to work, coming to put in work daily," Jarrett said. "But the thing about it is, the guys have showed up to put in work. We've been grinding. It's been a heck of an offseason program, and it's been fun and challenging because it's pulling us together, man. It's challenging every man involved to put their best foot forward, not one out of the four days or two out of four, but every day. That's what's been the really refreshing part for me. "I think more than just with me coming in and saying, you know, 'We got to do this, we got to do that,' I've been enjoying seeing what these guys are made of and being a part of this group. I came to join this group and some great guys here. I think the ceiling is very, very high for us. I feel like every player in here, they want to do good, and working for it, too. I think that's just what's the thing. I'm only familiar with what I know so far, being here in the building, but it's been great to see the response from the challenges that the coaches have given us. Just get better every day." Jarrett isn't letting his resume do all the talking. He's putting in the work and seeing that same effort from his new teammates. Getting everyone on the same page on all sides of the ball, while lining them up with the mindset of this new coaching staff, will give the Bears the pieces they need in place in order to become a winning team. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NFL OTAs tracker: Kirk Cousins, Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt among big names not participating in voluntary workouts
NFL OTAs are underway, and a number of players are gathering with teammates to get ready for the start of the 2025 NFL season. While attendance is voluntary at this point in the offseason, a number of prominent players decided to skip the first day of those workouts for various reasons. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is among the biggest name not present at OTAs on Tuesday. Cousins is seeking a trade after he was benched in favor of Michael Penix last season. Cousins hasn't come out and vocally requested a trade, but there are rumors he wants to start next season and is willing to waive his no-trade clause to get that opportunity elsewhere. Advertisement While Cousins did show up for team workouts in April, he was a no-show Tuesday, increasing speculation he prefers to join another team ahead of the regular season. Cousins is far from the only big-name player not taking part in OTAs on Tuesday. Below is a list of some of the most prominent players who opted against attending their team's workouts. T.J. Watt skips Steelers OTAs While he's waiting for a new contract, T.J. Watt is skipping the Pittsburgh Steelers' voluntary workouts. Watt was not with the Steelers as their workouts started this week. While he's not commented or given a reason why, Watt is currently heading into the final year of a four-year, $112 million extension he signed in 2021. Watt had 61 total tackles and 11.5 sacks last season, his eighth with the Steelers. Advertisement He's due to make $21.05 million this season, roughly half of what the top of the market is offering. Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett is making $40 million per season on his deal. Watt's new contract could very likely top that, which would make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. It's unclear when Watt will get his new deal, or what that might look like. But, at least in the meantime, he's going to prepare for the upcoming season away from his franchise. Brian Schottenheimer confirms Micah Parsons isn't at OTAs New Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters Thursday that star pass rusher Micah Parsons hasn't been at OTAs this week. Parsons is trying to negotiate a new contract with the team, though he did show up to voluntary workouts in April. Advertisement Schottenheimer downplayed Parsons' May absence, stressing that May's workouts are voluntary. He added that he had lunch with Parsons in May, indicating there's no bad blood between the two. Mike Vrabel talks about Stefon Diggs after party videos emerge New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel answered questions about new wideout Stefon Diggs after the receiver failed to report to OTAs on Wednesday. Diggs' absence drew attention after videos emerged in which he was partying on a boat with his girlfriend, rapper Cardi B. Vrabel urged Patriots players to make good decisions when asked about Diggs. Diggs signed with the team in the offseason after tearing his ACL with the Houston Texans last season. It's unclear when he'll return to the field in 2025. James Cook misses Bills OTAs amid new contract talk After two straight seasons with over 1,200 scrimmage yards, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook would like a new contract. Cook, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and is hoping to secure a long-term extension before hitting the free-agent market. Advertisement Cook dropped some hints during the offseason that he's seeking roughly $15 million per year as part of his next deal. That would make him the third-highest paid running back in football, behind Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. Cook is set to make roughly $5 million next season unless he's able to secure a contract extension ahead of the regular season. Terry McLaurin not present at OTAs as team talks extension Washington Commanders star Terry McLaurin did not report to OTAs on Wednesday, though it doesn't seem like a serious issue. McLaurin and the Commanders have reportedly discussed an extension after the veteran scored a career-high 13 touchdowns last season. Advertisement McLaurin, 29, has spent his entire career in Washington and showed strong chemistry with Jayden Daniels last season, so offseason OTAs aren't necessarily essential for the wideout. If the team can come to an agreement on an extension, it's possible McLaurin will report. Myles Garrett, Diontae Johnson missing from Browns OTAs The Cleveland Browns are missing two big-name players as OTAs open Wednesday. Star pass rusher Myles Garrett did not report, though there's no cause for concern there. Garrett signed a mega-deal with the team over the offseason, so he isn't seeking a new contract. Receiver Diontae Johnson is the more interesting absence. Johnson signed a one-year deal with the Browns in May. Since he's a new addition, Johnson might have benefitted from being with the team to get to know his new offense and quarterback. Johnson is looking to bounce back after posting the fewest catches and receiving yards in his career last season. Kyle Pitts misses OTAs while rehabbing from injury The Falcons also opened OTAs without tight end Kyle Pitts in attendance. While Pitts, like Cook, is entering the final year of his rookie deal, his absence is reportedly not contract related. Advertisement He's at the team facility working back from a foot injury and was simply not on the field for practice this week, according to The Bleacher Report's James Palmer. Bengals' Shemar Stewart sitting out of OTAs due to contract The Cincinnati Bengals appear determined to anger any player seeking a new contract. Trey Hendrickson might be the biggest name on the team still waiting for a new deal, but first rounder Shemar Stewart is also a part of that group. While both the length and salaries of rookie contracts are essentially set, Stewart appears to be at an impasse with the team over language in his offer, per Pro Football Talk. The specific language in question wasn't included in recent deals handed out by the Bengals, including the one given to receiver Tee Higgins or the one given to last year's first-round pick Amarius Mims, according to PFT. Advertisement Stewart is present at OTAs, but he is not taking part in workouts since he hasn't signed his deal yet. Haason Reddick skips first day of OTAs after signing in March Haason Reddick, who signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March, was not present at the start of OTAs on Tuesday. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was asked about the situation Tuesday, saying he believes the team will see Reddick "one of these days." OTAs are voluntary, so Reddick — who missed multiple games last season after a contract holdout with the New York Jets — is not obligated to be there. The team reportedly did not put an incentive in his contract that encouraged him to show up, per PFT. Advertisement A number of Bucs veterans — including Mike Evans and Chris Godwin — were not present at voluntary OTAs. Reddick's absence received more attention given his holdout last season and the fact that's he's new to the team. Twenty-four different teams held OTAs on Tuesday. Eight other teams will begin OTAs on Wednesday, so there could be more big-name players who decide to stay home due to contract-related issues.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Grady Jarrett feels refreshed in first year with Bears
Grady Jarrett feels refreshed in first year with Bears After spending his entire 10-year career with the Atlanta Falcons, veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett signed with the Chicago Bears shortly after he was released by Atlanta back in March. When Jarrett surprisingly hit the open market, the Bears wasted no time in bringing in the highly-regarded veteran to bolster their defensive line. Beginning a new chapter in his career with an entirely new coaching staff in Chicago, Jarrett is one of many new veterans who will be looked at to help change the culture in the Bears organization. During OTAs last week, Jarrett met with the media and spoke about feeling refreshed in the new environment with Chicago and embracing the challenge of bringing the team back to their winning ways. "It's been refreshing. It's been refreshing, for sure," Jarrett said. "It's like having the experience of playing the prior 10 years, going on Year 11 now, but the new, refreshing feeling and excitement of being a, not really a rookie because I know how to be in the NFL, but just being in a new place for the first time around new people is really refreshing. It puts you in a position to where you want to put your best foot forward every day. "Not that I'm saying that I didn't want to, regardless of where I was prior, but it's just natural human instinct. I've been enjoying it, man, I've been enjoying it. My life up here in Chicago has been awesome so far. I'm simple. I go to work, I stay like two minutes from here, the facility, go chill, come back, come to work. It's a really simplified life for me right now in this transition. I've been enjoying it, man. It's just going to continue to get better the more I continue to put in more work, learn everybody in the building, and, most importantly, start bringing some wins to this program." Jarrett's outlook and mindset should bode well for his first season with the Bears, and as someone who has previously played in a Super Bowl, he'll have plenty of experience and knowledge to share with his new team. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
