Atlanta Falcons announce 2025 joint practices with Tennessee Titans & name their 2024 1st-round pick QB1 for 2025 Week 1 vs. Buccaneers. Get latest news!
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Monday brought a flurry of activity and significant announcements from Flowery Branch, headlined by the exciting news that the Atlanta Falcons will host the Tennessee Titans for joint practices during the 2025 training camp. This crucial preparation will lead directly into their preseason matchup on August 15th, offering a vital litmus test for Raheem Morris's squad. Adding to the buzz, the team has already made a huge call for Week 1, confirming their 2024 first-round pick will be under center.
'He's been in every single meeting, he's been in every single thing that we've done other than the field, and he's been absolutely outstanding to be around.' - Coach Raheem Morris on Kyle Pitts' involvement despite OTA limitations.
Get ready for some intense summer sessions! The Falcons officially announced they'll be welcoming the Tennessee Titans to their turf for joint practices. This is a fantastic move, providing both teams with high-quality reps against unfamiliar opponents before they clash in the preseason on August 15th. For a team under Coach Raheem Morris looking to establish a new identity and toughness, these practices will be invaluable. It's a chance to test schemes, evaluate talent in competitive scenarios, and build chemistry against a live, challenging foe.
In a significant early declaration, the Falcons are set to hand the keys to their 2024 first-round draft pick quarterback for the Week 1 season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This decision signals a clear commitment to their young signal-caller and sets the stage for a new era. Facing a divisional rival like the Buccaneers twice (Weeks 1 and 13) with a developing QB at the helm will be a major storyline to watch throughout the 2025 campaign. Defensive adjustments are also anticipated for these crucial matchups.
The Falcons are taking a 'extremely cautious' approach with star tight end Kyle Pitts during OTAs, according to Coach Morris. While the specific nature of any ailment wasn't disclosed, Pitts has been fully engaged in all team meetings and off-field activities, demonstrating his commitment. Morris praised Pitts' attitude, noting his outstanding presence. Meanwhile, expectations are high for running back Bijan Robinson, who is coming off a 976-yard rushing season in 2024. Morris believes Robinson has looked impressive in OTAs, but stated 'the next step for him is really going to happen in training camp' when the pads come on and physicality ramps up. Robinson is poised to be a cornerstone of the offense.
To kick off June, the Falcons made a somewhat surprising move by releasing safety Benny Sapp. The 24-year-old had joined the practice squad last December and signed a futures deal in January. Sapp's prior NFL experience includes five games with the Green Bay Packers in 2023, where he contributed two special teams tackles. This decision has sparked some discussion among the fanbase regarding GM Terry Fontenot's roster evaluation and management strategy as the team fine-tunes its 90-man roster heading towards training camp.
With joint practices locked in, a clear direction at quarterback, and key offensive pieces like Pitts and Robinson progressing, the 2025 season is beginning to take shape. While questions remain, particularly around Pitts' full return and roster depth, today's news provides plenty for Falcons fans to discuss and anticipate as OTAs continue and training camp approaches.
