Kirk Cousins is officially the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, and although he’ll be wearing a new uniform in 2024, the No. 8 on his back figures to remain the same.
That No. 8 jersey currently belongs to tight end Kyle Pitts, who is apparently convinced to give up the number to the incoming veteran quarterback.
During his introductory press conference Wednesday, Cousins explained how he managed to all but officially secure the number he’s worn since high school (with the exception of his first two NFL seasons in Washington, when he wore No. 12) at his latest stop in Atlanta.
“If it’s a number you want to pivot from, great, you let me know,” Cousins said, recalling what he told Pitts when discussing the number. “I’ve obviously worn No. 8 since high school. If it’s a number you want to keep, that’s fine, no problem. I just want to be a good teammate.”
Cousins told reporters that he offered to make a donation or even pay Pitts for the jersey number. But Pitts joked he just wanted one thing in return.
“I just want targets every game,” Pitts told Cousins.
Who's gonna get No. 8? 😂@KirkCousins8 or @kylepitts__? pic.twitter.com/cpT9qVFKL3
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 14, 2024
After a disappointing season offensively for the Falcons in 2023, Cousins will look to get the most out of the team’s talented young skill players, with Pitts included in that group.
Pitts, the former No. 4 pick in the 2021 NFL draft, hasn’t had the offensive impact fans had anticipated when he was selected out of Florida. He logged just 149 receptions and six touchdown catches in his first three seasons.
Cousins credited Pitts among those who led the charge in recruiting him to Atlanta during the offseason, saying that push started “back a few weeks” ago.
Planning to graciously donate the No. 8 jersey to his new quarterback, Pitts will be hoping to get more involved in the passing game as Cousins settles into his new surroundings.
