FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — We're so close to training camp, y'all. This time next week coaches and players will be reporting to the facility, breathing life back into the building once again. I must say: It's been too quiet around here.
So, this is the final summer edition of the Mailbox.
*sad*
But that just means the pre-season is right around the corner.
*yay*
In this week's Mailbox, we're digging into a lot of big topics — roster battles, comeback potential, and oh yes, the status of... new uniforms?!
*gasp*
Let's get into it.
Charles S. from Conway, South Carolina
Is Bralen Trice destined to be a career backup? I was ecstatic when we drafted him, having the highest pressure rate in CFB. But, due to his injury setting him back and now extensively adding to his position burying him in the depth chart along with him still rehabbing a year-old injury, I'm afraid he'll never get to show what he can do.
I agree with you that the situation around Trice (his injury and subsequent additions to the outside linebacker room) feels doom and gloom than one that bolsters excitement. However, I don't think this means that it completely shuts the door on Trice's opportunities in his second year. I think we have to taper expectations, yes, but not that this alters the course of Trice's entire career.
Even when he was drafted I didn't necessarily pencil in Trice as a full-blown starter in Year 1, or even Year 2 depending on how the roster shook out. I thought he had that kind of ceiling, but not right away. I still think he has that kind of ceiling, but we do have to see what he looks like coming off that injury.
Simultaneously, I do think he is going to have the opportunities — even with the inclusion of Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. and Leonard Floyd — to show us what he's got. He may have more limited appearances than what it would have been had those three not been on the roster, but we always knew the Falcons were going to put a lot of resources into that room. It couldn't just be Trice and Arnold Ebiketie. But I do think the staff still has high hopes for Trice and what he can develop into. It's just a matter of finding the right spot for him to really shine. If he can, his reps and role will only grow.
The goal for Trice, in my opinion? Play so well that you force the coaches' hands. Play so well that they have to play you because you're that impactful. If that happens? Heck, I'd say that's a boon for this pass rush to have two premiere first-round picks and a developing young talent right alongside them.
Everything is still in front of Trice for the taking.
Buc M. from Morrow, Georgia
Hey Tori! You "The Man!" (Hope that doesn't offend you… it's in reference to WWE's " The Man" Becky Lynch, just means you're the BEST at what you do!)
Please, PLEASE tell me the Falcons will introduce something new for this season…I.E. a NEW color scheme helmet or a uniform upgrade.
First of all, no offense taken. I like the nickname and appreciate the kindness!
As for your question, I get this a lot. I see it on social media just as often, especially now that teams like the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers have unveiled their alternate looks. As I am sure you have guessed by now seeing as Atlanta was not one of the teams rolling out new uniforms this summer, it's not in the cards for the Falcons in 2025.
That said, the throwback looks are sticking around. You can expect to see those red helmets in action against the Bills, Buccaneers and Rams this season. But a whole slate of new uniforms? You'll have to wait a little longer for that. How much longer, though, I am not at liberty to say.
👀
Emanuel B. from Seattle, Washington
I'm sure you get this question a whole lot but I'm ask it again anyways. Do you think all the backlash for Kyle Pitts is warranted? Do you think the organization still believes in him, and does he still want to be a Falcon? He really only had two years healthy as a pro and one QB whose play was consistent throughout the year. With Michael Penix Jr. I think we could really see him get back to being the player we needed. Thoughts? Thanks again!
Yes, I do get these type of Kyle-Pitts-related question a lot. It doesn't bother me. I understand where everyone is coming from. You draft a tight end with the No. 4 overall pick in a draft. You want that pick to work. That's not to say Pitts isn't working for Atlanta. I think it's just a bit of a reality check that not every first-round pick is going to put up generational numbers, especially not when the ball has to go into other hands as well. Comparing the roster in 2025 to Pitts' first year when he was putting up generational numbers, there are a lot more mouths to feed.
In 2021, there was no true WR1. Julio Jones was traded to Tennessee, and the Falcons only got four games out of Calvin Ridley. In 2021, the running back room was aging. Though Cordarrelle Patterson was a bright spot for the run game, there still wasn't longevity there and (at the time) you did have to wonder if the novelty of Patterson running the rock would wear off in 2022. It did eventually wane.
In 2024 and 2025, circumstances around Pitts have drastically changed. Drake London and Darnell Mooney are two of the most consistent producers in the league at the receiver position. The running back duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier is one of the most powerful and respected in the league as well. I actually think that four or five targets for Pitts a game is pretty fair given how many times we know the ball is going to — nay, has to — go to Robinson on the ground or London through the air. That's why I don't think you're going to see that much of a change in usage for Pitts from 2024 to 2025. He's going to get some deep shots with Michael Penix Jr. as his quarterback. It'll be up to him to make the most of those chances, like he did against the Commanders at the end of last year or the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay in October.
As for last two questions...
Does the organization still believe in him? Yes. They do. Coaches and front office personnel have said as much, while still expressing that they, too, would like to see more from Pitts. Zac Robinson wants to see more detail and finesse in his game. Terry Fontenot wants to see more production. If they didn't believe in Pitts, they'd package him elsewhere, because there are likely teams out there that would have happily acquired Pitts on his final contract year. But they haven't, and that – to me — displays belief.
Does Pitts still want to be a Falcon? I will confess I haven't asked Pitts this question verbatim. But honestly? I shouldn't have to because the answer doesn't really matter one way or another. If the answer is yes, then alright. Let's see what he can do in Year 5. If the answer is no, then alright. Let's see what he can do in Year 5. His answer doesn't change the fact that he is playing to show teams (whether it be the Falcons or otherwise) that he is a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. His answer to that question — in my mind — doesn't change the need to be able to do so.
