The Atlanta Falcons introduced Kirk Cousins on Wednesday night. During his press conference, the quarterback discussed his jersey number.
Cousins has worn No. 8 throughout his career, but it currently belongs to tight end Kyle Pitts. The four-time Pro Bowler shared his conversation with his new teammate.
Cousins told Pitts it was “no problem” if he wanted to keep wearing No. 8. However, the quarterback was prepared to write a check if Pitts was willing to part with the number.
“He said, ‘I just want targets every game,'” Cousins recalled. “He was joking. He kind of winked.”
Cousins complimented Pitts on a “good answer.”
Kirk Cousins said he told @kylepitts__ he could keep the #8 jersey — but would open up his checkbook if Pitts was ok giving it up.
Per Cousins, Pitts said: “I just want targets every game.”
Cousins said: “Good answer.” pic.twitter.com/NsfSy9BwKb— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) March 14, 2024
As any fantasy football player who has ever rostered Pitts knows, targets haven’t come readily to start his career.
The Falcons made Pitts the highest tight end ever selected when they took him with the No. 4 pick in 2021. Onlookers thus expected him to seize a substantial role immediately, and he delivered by registering 1,026 yards — albeit with just one touchdown — as a rookie.
However, Pitts settled for 359 yards in 10 games the following year and 667 yards last season. He’s received 259 targets in 44 games, with 20 more (90) than free-agent signing Jonnu Smith in 2023.
Regardless of his jersey number, that could change in 2024.
Pitts should get a fresh start in Atlanta with a new head coach (Raheem Morris), offensive coordinator (Zac Robinson), and quarterback. It’s a promising sign for the 23-year-old that Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught 53 of 68 targets for 479 yards through Week 8, the game where Cousins tore his Achilles.
However, it sounds like Cousins and Pitts still must sort out who’s wearing No. 8 this season.