Re-signing TE Dennis Pitta

[rmw10]

When was the slot a solely WR position?

 

The CBA views it as such.  The tweet was one in a series talking about Jimmy Graham's situation, who lines up in the slot a similar percentage in comparison to Pitta.  It was basically stated that Graham will definitely get the WR tag, and based off of that, one would assume Pitta likely would as well.

[BmoreBird22]

 

When was the slot a solely WR position?

If there were a slot receiver tag (maybe we can invent one?), I'd be pushing so hard for that tag.

[berad]

The CBA views it as such.  The tweet was one in a series talking about Jimmy Graham's situation, who lines up in the slot a similar percentage in comparison to Pitta.  It was basically stated that Graham will definitely get the WR tag, and based off of that, one would assume Pitta likely would as well.

 

Does it really, though? To my knowledge, Graham - or Pitta - would be the first TE to file a greviance for that. But when did the slot become solely WR territory?

[rmw10]

Does it really, though? To my knowledge, Graham - or Pitta - would be the first TE to file a greviance for that. But when did the slot become solely WR territory?

 

Apparently there is no grievance process anymore.  Under the new CBA, players are simply franchised, but don't have a position tied to them.  Arbitrators decide which position fits the player the best.  I'm sure they can lay claim if the player doesn't like their designation.  It sounds like when sending paperwork in, the Ravens wouldn't designate Pitta as "TE Dennis Pitta" or "WR Dennis Pitta."  He just gets tagged as "Dennis Pitta" and then it's out of ours and his hands.

 

Since the new CBA, the two TE's that have been franchised were Marcedes Lewis and Fred Davis.  I don't think either had an actual claim to be tagged as a WR instead of a TE since they played the traditional role more often than the slot.  The whole TE/slot WR tag seems to be a new thing that needs to be sorted out.

[rmw10]

Even though this article is more about Graham than Pitta, I think it outlines the tag and the issues behind it pretty well.  Basically, the league hasn't adapted to the various roles a player could have.

 

http://thebiglead.com/2014/02/19/jimmy-graham-dennis-pitta-and-the-tight-end-franchise-tag/

[The Mom Gene]

So, based on this tweet, Pitta would get the WR tag.  This basically means that we have to get a long term deal done with him, because I don't see us tagging him at the WR amount.

 

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet  1h

Franchise letter leaves it to CBA, which says calculations are for “position at which Player participated in the most plays” in past year

...and despite the fact that he ONLY played in 4 games,...  79% of how many snaps???  I think is a good argument...  If he's a "wide receiver" then why is he classified as a TE and never mentioned being reclassified until now???  These are all questions that need to be asked.

[The Mom Gene]

Does it really, though? To my knowledge, Graham - or Pitta - would be the first TE to file a greviance for that. But when did the slot become solely WR territory?

It's never been classified as only WR territory...  I guess then Rice and Leach, and Pierce could also be paid based on WR pay, because they go into the slot and catch those short slants and screens FREQUENTLY.  Like A LOT!

[The Mom Gene]

I personally don't think that these guys win this argument..

[rmw10]

...and despite the fact that he ONLY played in 4 games,...  79% of how many snaps???  I think is a good argument...  If he's a "wide receiver" then why is he classified as a TE and never mentioned being reclassified until now???  These are all questions that need to be asked.

 

Exactly.  I don't think the Ravens are wrong to think he should get the TE tag, and I don't think Pitta is wrong to want the WR tag.  It's the system that is flawed.  The NFL needs to adapt.  Choose one or the other.  Is it the paper position, or is it where he lines up?  Why do we have paper positions if that doesn't reflect where the player actually plays?  Why doesn't the NFL refute a player's listed position?  As you said, there are tons of questions, and no answers to them.

[The Mom Gene]

Exactly.  I don't think the Ravens are wrong to think he should get the TE tag, and I don't think Pitta is wrong to want the WR tag.  It's the system that is flawed.  The NFL needs to adapt.  Choose one or the other.  Is it the paper position, or is it where he lines up?  Why do we have paper positions if that doesn't reflect where the player actually plays?  Why doesn't the NFL refute a player's listed position?  As you said, there are tons of questions, and no answers to them.

If this is truly the case, then why would you EVER be classified as a TE...  There would be absolutely no reason or incentive to be one.

[rmw10]

If this is truly the case, then why would you EVER be classified as a TE...  There would be absolutely no reason or incentive to be one.

 

That's the issue, exactly.  The CBA seems to be so vague of these types of designations and stuff of the sort.

[BmoreBird22]

 

Terrell Suggs filed a grievance over the franchise tag because he wanted to be tagged as a defensive end, not an outside linebacker. That was before Flacco.

No grievances have been filed amongst Ravens players since Flacco came in. We're only speculating that PItta MIGHT.

[berad]

Apparently there is no grievance process anymore.  Under the new CBA, players are simply franchised, but don't have a position tied to them.  Arbitrators decide which position fits the player the best.  I'm sure they can lay claim if the player doesn't like their designation.  It sounds like when sending paperwork in, the Ravens wouldn't designate Pitta as "TE Dennis Pitta" or "WR Dennis Pitta."  He just gets tagged as "Dennis Pitta" and then it's out of ours and his hands.

 

Since the new CBA, the two TE's that have been franchised were Marcedes Lewis and Fred Davis.  I don't think either had an actual claim to be tagged as a WR instead of a TE since they played the traditional role more often than the slot.  The whole TE/slot WR tag seems to be a new thing that needs to be sorted out.

My question was more about how the slot - a generally multipurpose utility where WRs, TEs, even RBs/FBs line up - became solely WR territory/pay.

Suggs' distinction was pretty clear - was his hand on the ground or not? Graham/Pitta don't have that clear definition. Playing in the slot does not make you a WR any more than the shotgun makes a QB a RB.

[rmw10]

My question was more about how the slot - a generally multipurpose utility where WRs, TEs, even RBs/FBs line up - became solely WR territory/pay.

Suggs' distinction was pretty clear - was his hand on the ground or not? Graham/Pitta don't have that clear definition. Playing in the slot does not make you a WR any more than the shotgun makes a QB a RB.

 

Yeah and that's the issue that the article that I posted brings up.  What is the true definition of the slot?  The CBA doesn't make it clear, but based on what's likely to happen with Graham, it seems slot = WR.  It's pretty ridiculous that we're even having this discussion, to be honest.  The NFL should be prepared for situations like this, but instead, it seems that they know no more than you or I do.

[frozen joe flacco fan]

While I would like to see the Ravens re-sign Dennis, it would not be the end of the world if we didn't. I do not think that his absence last year was the main reason we didn't make the playoffs. We need a Jeremy Shockey or Mark Bavarro type of TE. Pitta is not the physically tough TE we need. I give him the props he deserves for coming back from a potentially career-ending injury but we need someone like Gronk or Graham. If he gets tagged, he should get TE money period. He's nowhere close to being a WR.  

[JoeyFlex5]

Flacco needs to take a serious pay cut and resign Dennis Pitta, Daryl Smith, Art Jones. 

 

In that order.

leave. now.

[JoeyFlex5]

While I would like to see the Ravens re-sign Dennis, it would not be the end of the world if we didn't. I do not think that his absence last year was the main reason we didn't make the playoffs. We need a Jeremy Shockey or Mark Bavarro type of TE. Pitta is not the physically tough TE we need. I give him the props he deserves for coming back from a potentially career-ending injury but we need someone like Gronk or Graham. If he gets tagged, he should get TE money period. He's nowhere close to being a WR.  

the TE's youre referring to can be found all over this years draft. ASJ niklas and friedorowicz fit that mold and WE NEED THEM! lol

[JoeyFlex5]

My question was more about how the slot - a generally multipurpose utility where WRs, TEs, even RBs/FBs line up - became solely WR territory/pay.

Suggs' distinction was pretty clear - was his hand on the ground or not? Graham/Pitta don't have that clear definition. Playing in the slot does not make you a WR any more than the shotgun makes a QB a RB.

i guess the nfl will have to rearrange position names the way they seperate FB HB and tailback and 3rd down back. now its gonna be TE, flex TE, h-back(flex TE that also lines up in the backfield?), SR(slot receiver) and Wide OUT, and now this way you can no longer take advantages of mismatches and make space unless a player is classified as a flex or h-back.. but you can only have 1 of each on your team..

 

the nfl is just a complete idiotic ball of poop these days. how anyone could consider dennis pitta a WR by position is beyond me.

[Bruce_Almty]

i guess the nfl will have to rearrange position names the way they seperate FB HB and tailback and 3rd down back. now its gonna be TE, flex TE, h-back(flex TE that also lines up in the backfield?), SR(slot receiver) and Wide OUT, and now this way you can no longer take advantages of mismatches and make space unless a player is classified as a flex or h-back.. but you can only have 1 of each on your team..

 

the nfl is just a complete idiotic ball of poop these days. how anyone could consider dennis pitta a WR by position is beyond me.

No reason to do any of that; reason being: either a team wants a player at a certain price and is willing to pay or let the player go to seek his money elsewhere. Franchise tag is a double-edge blade.

[The Mom Gene]

No reason to do any of that; reason being: either a team wants a player at a certain price and is willing to pay or let the player go to seek his money elsewhere. Franchise tag is a double-edge blade.

The problem with that is that I see players playing this game every year....  Wanting to change their position just to get more money...  It's ridiculous.  You're either a TE, a WR, a RB or FB...  You think you'd see a FB wanting receiver money, because he lines up in the slot???  It will happen.

 

I could see a secretary wanting CEO pay because she sits in his chair most of the time while he's out of the office....  Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it.

[Dnyce215]

Can't fault him for looking out for his best interests but at what cost?

[Bruce_Almty]

...You're either a TE, a WR, a RB or FB... 

That's right ... and you pay them what you think they are worth.

[Dnyce215]

That's right ... and you pay them what you think they are worth.

True, he thinks he is worth a WR pay rate, which he wasn't put there for 21% of the plays

[The Mom Gene]

That's right ... and you pay them what you think they are worth.

You cannot keep changing your designation just so you can jack up your pay.  Life doesn't work that way...  Neither should the NFL...  You were drafted and have played that position for 3 years...  Now all of a sudden you're up for a new contract and you want to change your designation...  after you missed 3/4 of the season with a serious injury...  just so you can make more money...  Putting it that way just sounds absolutely ridiculous. 

 

Now on the other hand if you had done what Jimmy Graham did.....  that would be a different story...  The Saints would have rolled over and died without him last season...  A completely different situation to be honest.  He proved his worth.

[BmoreBird22]

Jason Lake Canfora just said that the talks with Pitta are progressing well and he wouldn't be surprised if Pitta is signed soon or shortly after the tag date.

[Ravenskid52752]

Jason Lake Canfora just said that the talks with Pitta are progressing well and he wouldn't be surprised if Pitta is signed soon or shortly after the tag date.

just saw that too.

Jason La Canfora ‏JasonLaCanfora 14m

Wouldn't be shocked at all if the Ravens were able to extend TE Dennis Pitta prior to the franchise window closing, or shortly thereafter

 

Jason La Canfora ‏JasonLaCanfora 3 hrs

If BAL had to franchise Pitta to buy time, so be it. But progressing enough that resolving it prior to grievance over tag looks promising

 

Jason La Canfora ‏JasonLaCanfora 3 hrs

Ravens have a great gap still to bridge with LT Eugene Monroe, and those talks are ongoing as well

[BmoreBird22]

just saw that too.

Jason La Canfora ‏JasonLaCanfora 14m

Wouldn't be shocked at all if the Ravens were able to extend TE Dennis Pitta prior to the franchise window closing, or shortly thereafter

 

Jason La Canfora ‏JasonLaCanfora 3 hrs

If BAL had to franchise Pitta to buy time, so be it. But progressing enough that resolving it prior to grievance over tag looks promising

 

Jason La Canfora ‏JasonLaCanfora 3 hrs

Ravens have a great gap still to bridge with LT Eugene Monroe, and those talks are ongoing as well

Getting Pitta locked up before the franchise tag date is imperative because it would allow us to tag Monroe

[Ravenskid52752]

Getting Pitta locked up before the franchise tag date is imperative because it would allow us to tag Monroe

yeah but the ravens might surprise people with all 3 guys deals Daryl, Eugene and Dennis all in the same day. then a  presser about it.

[BmoreBird22]

yeah but the ravens might surprise people with all 3 guys deals Daryl, Eugene and Dennis all in the same day. then a  presser about it.

Apparently a Daryl deal is pretty close

[RichieAsh]

After we resign Pitta, at his press conference, I'd like him to channel Sizzle and say, "Thanks Ozzie. This deal ensures American Express gonna be a Raven for life."