Re-signing TE Dennis Pitta

[BmoreBird22]

I was doing some research into how much work Dennis Pitta could get for the game against the Detroit Lions, and I stumbled across his career stats. I saw them and at first I thought it was a joke. His career stats are really pedestrian, nothing to write home about. Now, I have no doubt that he could have developed into a great pass catching tight end had he not been injured, but he was and it derailed him from getting going.

I see a lot of people who are worried about resigning Pitta, but honestly, I'm not too worried. Those stats are going to be brought up in negotiations, and they clearly favor the Ravens. The injury will also likely be in the Ravens favor. I could easily see the Ravens resigning Pitta, and I do not think it will be a mega-contract.

What do you think?

[Alexir]

Dennis Pitta resigned? Why?! Why would he quit now?

 

Just kidding. We will RE-SIGN him because we saw we really don't have much at the TE position. Clark will be gone next year, Dickson as well. Do you expect us to replace 3 tight ends in one off season?

 

Ozzie will be sure to point out the injury, point at the stats but I have a feeling the ball is in Pitta's court. He is Flacco's favorite target and they will not let him walk.

[rmw10]

I never thought he'd get a mega deal to begin with. He'll get a modest, fair deal. $5M or so per year is my guess.

[BmoreBird22]

 

Dennis Pitta resigned? Why?! Why would he quit now?

 

Just kidding. We will RE-SIGN him because we saw we really don't have much at the TE position. Clark will be gone next year, Dickson as well. Do you expect us to replace 3 tight ends in one off season?

 

Ozzie will be sure to point out the injury, point at the stats but I have a feeling the ball is in Pitta's court. He is Flacco's favorite target and they will not let him walk.

I'm honestly a little torn on the stats. Yes, he is clearly the favorite target, but he has not yet shown to be an elite pass catcher like a Graham or Gronk.

[BmoreBird22]

I never thought he'd get a mega deal to begin with. He'll get a modest, fair deal. $5M or so per year is my guess.

I mean, obviously not everyone thought he would, but some people thought he'd get a Gonzalez or Gates type deal.

[Alexir]

 

 

I'm honestly a little torn on the stats. Yes, he is clearly the favorite target, but he has not yet shown to be an elite pass catcher like a Graham or Gronk.

 

 

Well Graham and Gronk have much better Quarterbacks and a freaks of nature. That's like comparing Torrey to Calvin Johnson.

[BmoreBird22]

 

Well Graham and Gronk have much better Quarterbacks and a freaks of nature. That's like comparing Torrey to Calvin Johnson.

I don't agree with them having better quarterbacks (I think Joe is just as capable if that were the Ravens offensive philosophy), but I do agree that the builds and physical attributes are different. However, with Pitta offering so little as a blocker, he would need to put up the big receiving numbers to receive the massive contract that some fans believe he'll get.

[Alexir]

 

 

I don't agree with them having better quarterbacks (I think Joe is just as capable if that were the Ravens offensive philosophy), but I do agree that the builds and physical attributes are different. However, with Pitta offering so little as a blocker, he would need to put up the big receiving numbers to receive the massive contract that some fans believe he'll get.

 

Well I am going to ignore the first sentence because I am not going to get into that debate. Too much of that on here anyways.

 

Pitta offering so little as a blocker? He graded out positively in his return back and that was in bad conditions. Is he the best blocker? Far from it but he is the best blocking tight end we have that can go out for a pass after laying a hit at the LoS. I don't think he will get a massive Contract. $5-$7 million range a year is probably tops.

[BmoreBird22]

Well I am going to ignore the first sentence because I am not going to get into that debate. Too much of that on here anyways.

 

Pitta offering so little as a blocker? He graded out positively in his return back and that was in bad conditions. Is he the best blocker? Far from it but he is the best blocking tight end we have that can go out for a pass after laying a hit at the LoS. I don't think he will get a massive Contract. $5-$7 million range a year is probably tops.

There's a reason Dickson is the starter over Pitta. He doesn't block much. He graded out positively on three blocking snaps. He isn't going to be an online tight end, and I think the lack of blocking could drop it.

I agree with around $5 million per year.

[Alexir]

There's a reason Dickson is the starter over Pitta. He doesn't block much. He graded out positively on three blocking snaps. He isn't going to be an online tight end, and I think the lack of blocking could drop it.

I agree with around $5 million per year.

 

Neither one is a great blocking option. Hopefully we address Tight End in the draft to complement Pitta, I don't see Dickson being back. But at this rate, I rather take a Center or Right Tackle in the first...

[BmoreBird22]

Neither one is a great blocking option. Hopefully we address Tight End in the draft to complement Pitta, I don't see Dickson being back. But at this rate, I rather take a Center or Right Tackle in the first...

I think they have faith in Ricky Wagner, honestly. I think they let him try to win the job.

I'm not keen on ever taking a center in the first, but you have to remember that a rookie center doesn't have a lot of the line calls or blitz recognitions down yet, so it's likely to slow him down. If we were to get one, I'd want Swanson in the third.

I'm still pulling for TE or WR first

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Agreed Pitta stays. There is absolutely no doubt that Pitta will be back and be open to adjusting his contract to stay a Raven. Another reason is there is so much talent at the TE position coming out of college this year that will command less salary/gauranteed money that the market's supply and demand will dictate value.

 

Example - Projected to go 238th in 2014 Draft

2013 MACKEY AWARD WATCH LIST: Kaneakua Friel, BYU...One of 37 players named to the Mackey Award watch list, Friel had 30 receptions for 308 yards in 13 starts last season for BYU, averaging 10.3 yards per catch. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound native of Kaneohe, Hawai'i, was second on the team with five receiving touchdowns in 2012. - BYU football

 

This guy looks like a Jimmy Graham-type TE. We should be able to get one of these and keep (one of my favorites) Pitta.

[Alexir]

I think they have faith in Ricky Wagner, honestly. I think they let him try to win the job.

I'm not keen on ever taking a center in the first, but you have to remember that a rookie center doesn't have a lot of the line calls or blitz recognitions down yet, so it's likely to slow him down. If we were to get one, I'd want Swanson in the third.

I'm still pulling for TE or WR first

 

Everyone is going to want Swanson in the third which means we will have to take him in the 2nd

 

I would say OL in the first just because of how poor ours has been but looking at this draft...they are mostly day 2 talent within our range...TE or WR it is I guess.

[jaege]

 

 

I don't agree with them having better quarterbacks (I think Joe is just as capable if that were the Ravens offensive philosophy), but I do agree that the builds and physical attributes are different. However, with Pitta offering so little as a blocker, he would need to put up the big receiving numbers to receive the massive contract that some fans believe he'll get.

 

 

 

Now that Joe has matured he has proven to be comparable to Brady at least. He DID outplay him the last few times the two teams met. Once could be a fluke, twice is a habit.

[arnie_uk]

Why does every thread turn into a flacco one?

[gabefergy]

TEs arent super expensive, but Pitta is probably top 10 or so in the league. The going rate is about 6-7M per year. I think someone will sign him for that.

[dhstandard]

I don't think it will be too awful.  Though, if we low-ball him I'm sure he and his agent will just try to get a one-year deal.   Then he will probably be more expensive the next season.  Don't make the mistake we made with Flacco.  Just pay him a big deal now so it doesn't get bigger in the future.

 

 

We still need another tight end though.  They usually go late and I'd love to get the best one in the draft.  Considering our only other needs are re-upping the offensive line.  We will probably need a RT and C this offseason as well.  

[redrum52]

It might be smart to franchise next year to see if he's still the same player through an extended period. Tes aren't that expensive and would buy the team time. The team hasn't had the best luck recently with second contracts. Rice looks OLD a year after his, same with Ngata, Fat Suggs showed up to camp, and Webb got hurt. The last one I remember doing well was Yanda he's been cursed with Oher next to him.

[dhstandard]

It might be smart to franchise next year to see if he's still the same player through an extended period. Tes aren't that expensive and would buy the team time. The team hasn't had the best luck recently with second contracts. Rice looks OLD a year after his, same with Ngata, Fat Suggs showed up to camp, and Webb got hurt. The last one I remember doing well was Yanda he's been cursed with Oher next to him.

 

Don't be so superstitious.  This is reality.  It's not like if we sign Pitta he will suddenly break every bone in his body or become the worst football player.  Our past success with contracts should have nothing to do with this.  It's like saying we haven't had a ton of luck drafting receivers (before Torrey) so we should never draft receivers.  It's just dumb.

[izvoodoo]

TEs arent super expensive, but Pitta is probably top 10 or so in the league. The going rate is about 6-7M per year. I think someone will sign him for that.

also keep in mind that teams have a minimum salary they must now hit.

[redrum52]

Don't be so superstitious. This is reality. It's not like if we sign Pitta he will suddenly break every bone in his body or become the worst football player. Our past success with contracts should have nothing to do with this. It's like saying we haven't had a ton of luck drafting receivers (before Torrey) so we should never draft receivers. It's just dumb.

As far as Torrey didn't Ray say a blind cat can even find a meal? Seriously, I think it would be beneficial to both sides. It was more to make sure he's back to full strength with no lingering effects. Hips are a pretty big injury. Pitta has time to earn some of the money he lost from not playing and the team gets to evaluate him over a full season. Would prefer a cap friendly deal is reached in the off sease.

[The Mom Gene]

 

I'm honestly a little torn on the stats. Yes, he is clearly the favorite target, but he has not yet shown to be an elite pass catcher like a Graham or Gronk.

 

I don't think he NEEDS to be a Graham or a Gronk... Pitta proved himself last weekend; first game back and in some of the nastiest conditions.  He's the only TE on the roster with a good set of hands  We have more of a running game than either one of those teams. Stats are stats...  and that's it.  Remember...  Those guys are a couple of the Pass happy QB's who have no running game and 5 WR/TE targets on the field every play...  Just sayin...

[T3hRaven]

I don't think he NEEDS to be a Graham or a Gronk... Pitta proved himself last weekend; first game back and in some of the nastiest conditions.  He's the only TE on the roster with a good set of hands  We have more of a running game than either one of those teams. Stats are stats...  and that's it.  Remember...  Those guys are a couple of the Pass happy QB's who have no running game and 5 WR/TE targets on the field every play...  Just sayin...

 

When did we get a running game?  I mean you're completely wrong about those teams running 5 wide and not having a running game as well, just our acquisition of one was something I must've missed.

[Ravensfan23]

Pitta's numbers will definitely come up in talks but I don't think they will be that important. I think his value will be argued more by his agent and agreed upon by the Ravens as well. If things happen the way I think they will, this offense is gonna open up and put up some big numbers over the next 3-7 weeks and Pitta will have a huge role in that. He's gonna open up the field and make guys like Brown and Jacoby much better.

 

That can't be ignored. Will he get huge money, no, but he'll get a pretty good deal and if he feels the Ravens low ball him, he'll probably get more money on the open market. Remember what happened with Ellerbe and guys like him. When you have success sometimes teams over look numbers.

 

Without the injury Pitta could have easily been a 80-100 catch guy this year, especially if we planed on using him a lot in the Slot like we said. Think about it, he was targeted 11 times in his first game back since the Super Bowl. Now imagine a full season of those type of targets. He's definitely gonna be a valued guy on the market. I imagine we'll attack him and Monroe hard before they hit the market.

[rmw10]

Pitta's numbers will definitely come up in talks but I don't think they will be that important. I think his value will be argued more by his agent and agreed upon by the Ravens as well. If things happen the way I think they will, this offense is gonna open up and put up some big numbers over the next 3-7 weeks and Pitta will have a huge role in that. He's gonna open up the field and make guys like Brown and Jacoby much better.

 

That can't be ignored. Will he get huge money, no, but he'll get a pretty good deal and if he feels the Ravens low ball him, he'll probably get more money on the open market. Remember what happened with Ellerbe and guys like him. When you have success sometimes teams over look numbers.

 

Without the injury Pitta could have easily been a 80-100 catch guy this year, especially if we planed on using him a lot in the Slot like we said. Think about it, he was targeted 11 times in his first game back since the Super Bowl. Now imagine a full season of those type of targets. He's definitely gonna be a valued guy on the market. I imagine we'll attack him and Monroe hard before they hit the market.

 

And that's how it should be.  Those 2 are the most important free agents.  While you'd love to have guys like Art Jones, Jacoby, Ihedigbo, and Daryl back, those are guys you can live without.  Pitta and Monroe are essential to this team.  They are the ones that we have to hit hard and early.  I have no doubts that they'll be back, but those 2 are the biggest risks to lose if they hit the open market.

[The Mom Gene]

When did we get a running game?  I mean you're completely wrong about those teams running 5 wide and not having a running game as well, just our acquisition of one was something I must've missed.

So you're gonna tell me that Brady has a running game....  really?  I would really disagree with you on that.  AND, to say that I am completely wrong is, if nothing else, disrespectful, considering I do know what I am talking about.  WE did HAVE a running game...  This past season has been an anomaly.  When you're giving Rice 25 - 30 carries a game like we have in ALL previous year, I would say that's the case.  You tell me when Brady has handed off to a RB 25 - 30 times a game...   

[T3hRaven]

So you're gonna tell me that Brady has a running game....  really?  I would really disagree with you on that.  AND, to say that I am completely wrong is, if nothing else, disrespectful, considering I do know what I am talking about.  WE did HAVE a running game...  This past season has been an anomaly.  When you're giving Rice 25 - 30 carries a game like we have in ALL previous year, I would say that's the case.  You tell me when Brady has handed off to a RB 25 - 30 times a game...   

 

The numbers speak for themselves.  The Patriots have averaged 28.5 rushing attempts this year to our 27.7, and that's just attempts.  They're actually getting production, unlike us, averaging 4.2 YPC to our 3.0.  They're 11th in attempts, 14th in yards, tied for 15th in rounded average, and fourth in rushing TDs.  Belichick has always liked running it when he gets close, and the Pats run a lot more than just watching highlights would lead you to believe.

 

The Saints have always used the run effectively when Payton calls the plays.  While they're only running about 24 times a game, the run sets up a lot of what they do in the passing game.  When they won the Super Bowl, they were the 6th rushing offense in yardage.  They were 6th again in 2011.  While they haven't been consistent in numbers year to year, Payton is smart enough to know what efficiently running the ball can do for you, he wants to run the ball, and they clearly have success doing so.

 

Acting like we run the ball way more than these teams do is just ignoring the facts and playing into the narrative the media has created.

[redlobster]

One negative is his age , he was drafted older than most

[T3hRaven]

One negative is his age , he was drafted older than most

 

That and he hasn't displayed elite production.  $5 million is the ceiling I would pay him, prefer something around $4.  He hasn't proven he's a good as we'd like to think he is.

[BmoreBird22]

I don't think he NEEDS to be a Graham or a Gronk... Pitta proved himself last weekend; first game back and in some of the nastiest conditions.  He's the only TE on the roster with a good set of hands  We have more of a running game than either one of those teams. Stats are stats...  and that's it.  Remember...  Those guys are a couple of the Pass happy QB's who have no running game and 5 WR/TE targets on the field every play...  Just sayin...

As it stands, the Patriots definitely have the better rushing attack and are usually right there with us.

I do agree that Pitta isn't asked to be the super star and he dies quite well as a reliable third down option, which is what the Ravens need the most.