Re-signing TE Dennis Pitta

[gabefergy]

Pitta's injury this summer will definitely help us in contract negotiations. I wouldn't be surprised if he wants to sign a one or two year deal so he can break out, then cash in in the near future.

If he didn't come back I would agree with you, but he caught 20 passes in 4 games in a limited role. Health is clearly not an issue.

I think the Ravens will give him an offer, but he will likely test free agency and sign somewhere else for more than we can afford.

[BmoreBird22]

If he didn't come back I would agree with you, but he caught 20 passes in 4 games in a limited role. Health is clearly not an issue.

Pitta is not and never was a player who just dominated games and took over them. That hip injury isn't helping him any, even if he could play.

I think the Ravens will give him an offer, but he will likely test free agency and sign somewhere else for more than we can afford.

Those 20 passes are likely due to the fact that Joe loves to force feed the ball to Pitta. He had the most targets in that time frame.

I don't understand the hype around Pitta. I think he is a $3-$5 million dollars a year type guy, not this player who will make $7+million a year like so many are suggesting.

[flynismo]

You don't understand how the Franchise Tag works. It takes the top contracts going back 5 years into account, so the more recent contracts have only partial impact on the Tag.

Gronk was given an extension making close to 9M a year, Hernandez got almost 8M a year. Vernon Davis makes over 7M, Witten makes over 7M, Gonzalez makes 7M, Jared Cook makes 7M, Gates makes close to 7M, Jermichael Finely makes 7M, even Zach Miller makes almost 7M a year. Jimmy Graham is probably going to make 10M+ year.

The fact is it's a very flat market for TEs right now. The going rate is in the 6-7M range for a top 10 TE and when Dennis Pitta is healthy he fits that bill.

It doesnt matter what you or I think is fair, what matters is what some team is willing to pay him on the open market. He isn't going to take a hometown discount, because this is his one chance to cash in. He's 28 years old so he probably will only get this one chance. I wouldn't be shocked if he is Franchise Tagged, maybe for 2 years even.

My brother is a Redskins fan, and tells me that there is talk that the Skins may kick the tires on Pitta. That is the one team in the league we do not want to get into a bidding war with.

[Tank 92]

My brother is a Redskins fan, and tells me that there is talk that the Skins may kick the tires on Pitta. That is the one team in the league we do not want to get into a bidding war with.

 

 

I don't know all of the particulars, but the cap penalty they had for the past 2 years will most likely handcuff the skins for a while. I'm guessing they had to restructure quite a few to delay hits to account for the $36 mil. penalty.

 

Stating the obvious, a healthy Pitta on the Ravens roster provides for one less issue to deal with.  I hope he remains a Raven.

[Willbacker]

I don't know all of the particulars, but the cap penalty they had for the past 2 years will most likely handcuff the skins for a while. I'm guessing they had to restructure quite a few to delay hits to account for the $36 mil. penalty.

 

Stating the obvious, a healthy Pitta on the Ravens roster provides for one less issue to deal with.  I hope he remains a Raven.

Their cap penalty was for 2 years and if it's over they're gonna have a lot of money to spend unless they spread previous contracts out to where those contracts are heavy in their 3rd year.

 

Pitta will probally be franchized until they work out a long term deal.

[Jokerraven]

The front office will sign dennis pitta we saw his contribution to this team . WE need targets Joe has a chemistry with  like other successful qb's in this league. He's not going anywhere .

[Wisdom]

The front office will sign dennis pitta we saw his contribution to this team . WE need targets Joe has a chemistry with  like other successful qb's in this league. He's not going anywhere .

 

 Pitta is awesome!  I hope they keep him.  Hopefully, he will signed a nice deal. 

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

I would like to see Pitta resigned. I think he and Joe work well together but another tight end in the draft should be on the Ravens list. If the Pat's come calling they are gonna price him out of our range. Don't trust "The Hoodie!"

[ravensfan520]

I want to draft a first round wr and keep pitta only and I say only if the price is right. Plus if his signing is a toss up between someone like resigning D. SMITH or finding a true free safety. I say go with Dickson he will come for pennies compared to pitta even with the injury.

[The Raven]

I want to draft a first round wr and keep pitta only and I say only if the price is right. Plus if his signing is a toss up between someone like resigning D. SMITH or finding a true free safety. I say go with Dickson he will come for pennies compared to pitta even with the injury.

If we do that, we risk another season like the one we just finished.

[Ravenslifer]

Whatever happens with Pitta, watching KC is showing me that we should really draft a great blocking tight end, preferably one of the more complete tight ends.  I think a huge thing we've missed the last 3 years was Heap's complete game.

[gabefergy]

Those 20 passes are likely due to the fact that Joe loves to force feed the ball to Pitta. He had the most targets in that time frame.

I don't understand the hype around Pitta. I think he is a $3-$5 million dollars a year type guy, not this player who will make $7+million a year like so many are suggesting.

Wait and see.

[BmoreBird22]

Wait and see.

I will, but we don't have much reason to believe he will unless it is a one year deal with virtually no guaranteed money

[gabefergy]

I will, but we don't have much reason to believe he will unless it is a one year deal with virtually no guaranteed money

he will what? This is Pitta's one chance to get a big contract. I think you are being very naive if you don't think he will try to make as much as he can. 

 

Pitta's numbers put him in a tier where 5M is the floor of what he will get. I'm not making up anything, just looking at the other contracts players are getting around the league.

[BmoreBird22]

 

he will what? This is Pitta's one chance to get a big contract. I think you are being very naive if you don't think he will try to make as much as he can. 

 

Pitta's numbers put him in a tier where 5M is the floor of what he will get. I'm not making up anything, just looking at the other contracts players are getting around the league.

 

Michael Oher is trying to get all the money he can, but does that mean he should? 

I realize that puts him with the likes of a Zach Miller or Heath Miller, but both those two do something that Pitta doesn't do very well at all: Block. They're also fairly capable receivers when called on to be one. 

In Pitta's "breakout season" he had like 670 yards and seven touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns and around 120 yards came in garbage time against the Denver Broncos when the game was well away in the fourth quarter. 

He's not a tight end who can takeover a game, be counted on to block, isn't a match-up nightmare, I mean, I don't see him getting this huge contract. I think people are being naive by saying all of this because they let their fandom get in the way. 

[The Mom Gene]

Pitta's not goin' anywhere.....  he'll be one of the first guys they try and keep... along with the cornerback corps...

[gabefergy]

 

 

 

Michael Oher is trying to get all the money he can, but does that mean he should? 

I realize that puts him with the likes of a Zach Miller or Heath Miller, but both those two do something that Pitta doesn't do very well at all: Block. They're also fairly capable receivers when called on to be one. 

In Pitta's "breakout season" he had like 670 yards and seven touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns and around 120 yards came in garbage time against the Denver Broncos when the game was well away in the fourth quarter. 

He's not a tight end who can takeover a game, be counted on to block, isn't a match-up nightmare, I mean, I don't see him getting this huge contract. I think people are being naive by saying all of this because they let their fandom get in the way. 

 

That doesn't even make sense. Why would Ravens fans want Pitta to get a big contract? You can't nitpick stats and say they don't count because of the game situation. That's utterly ridiculous. 

 

Pitta's numbers stand for themselves. It's not hard to see where he fits in the big scheme of things. Nobody said he will get the kind of money Gronk got or what Jimmy Graham will get, but he is clearly going to get paid whether you like it or not. 

[BmoreBird22]

 

That doesn't even make sense. Why would Ravens fans want Pitta to get a big contract? You can't nitpick stats and say they don't count because of the game situation. That's utterly ridiculous. 

 

Pitta's numbers stand for themselves. It's not hard to see where he fits in the big scheme of things. Nobody said he will get the kind of money Gronk got or what Jimmy Graham will get, but he is clearly going to get paid whether you like it or not. 

Fine, take into consideration all his stats and see how he has never had outstanding stats in a single season, never broken double digit touchdowns, or proven he is a great receiver, the one job he is pretty much asked to do. 

When looking at average contract value, Gronkowski doesn't even make $7 million. He makes $6.9 million. Jason Witten and Vernon Davis are sitting at $7.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively. 

Tell me, do you really think he deserves to be paid at the same level as those three? You're ridiculous if you do. He deserves a Martellus Bennett contract at best, which would put him right around $5 million. I personally say a Brent Celek type deal is more realistic, which would put him around $4.2 million per year.

Tell me, though, what reason would I have to not want him to get paid?

[berad]

Fine, take into consideration all his stats and see how he has never had outstanding stats in a single season, never broken double digit touchdowns, or proven he is a great receiver, the one job he is pretty much asked to do.

When looking at average contract value, Gronkowski doesn't even make $7 million. He makes $6.9 million. Jason Witten and Vernon Davis are sitting at $7.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively.

Tell me, do you really think he deserves to be paid at the same level as those three? You're ridiculous if you do. He deserves a Martellus Bennett contract at best, which would put him right around $5 million.

Tell me, though, what reason would I have to not want him to get paid?

His post specifically said Pitta would not get Gronk or Graham money, no one is arguing that.

[BmoreBird22]

 

 

His post specifically said Pitta would not get Gronk or Graham money



Fine, take into consideration all his stats and see how he has never had outstanding stats in a single season, never broken double digit touchdowns, or proven he is a great receiver, the one job he is pretty much asked to do.
When looking at average contract value, Gronkowski doesn't even make $7 million. He makes $6.9 million. Jason Witten and Vernon Davis are sitting at $7.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively.
Tell me, do you really think he deserves to be paid at the same level as those three? You're ridiculous if you do. He deserves a Martellus Bennett contract at best, which would put him right around $5 million.
Tell me, though, what reason would I have to not want him to get paid?

 

He also said the floor was $5 million, so I'm not sure what exactly he's shooting for since there isn't much wiggle room between $5 million and what those two will get paid annually. 

[berad]

He also said the floor was $5 million, so I'm not sure what exactly he's shooting for since there isn't much wiggle room between $5 million and what those two will get paid annually.

$5m - $6m? Just seems like you're saying the same things.

[BmoreBird22]

 

$5m - $6m? Just seems like you're saying the same things.

I just personally see a $3-$5 million per year contract, falling somewhere in the $4 million annually, unless it is a low guaranteed money contract with lots of incentives. 

[BloodRaven]

Just like Art Jones theres no way Pitta is giving a hometown discount on what is his last big contract, if other teams become enamoured by his hands he's gone.

[gabefergy]

 

 

I just personally see a $3-$5 million per year contract, falling somewhere in the $4 million annually, unless it is a low guaranteed money contract with lots of incentives. 

 

Well, you have made that statement before but don't really back it up with anything other than what you "feel". 

 

I've presented evidence with not only the stats that Pitta has put up which place him among the top 10 TEs in the league, but also the contracts that these comparable TEs have received. In no way would any of this evidence suggest Pitta would get a contract anywhere close to the 3-4M you are suggesting.

[BmoreBird22]

 

Well, you have made that statement before but don't really back it up with anything other than what you "feel". 

 

I've presented evidence with not only the stats that Pitta has put up which place him among the top 10 TEs in the league, but also the contracts that these comparable TEs have received. In no way would any of this evidence suggest Pitta would get a contract anywhere close to the 3-4M you are suggesting.

I have also presented you with contracts and evidence. Pitta is not a game changing tight end who presents a match-up nightmare for opposing teams. The Patriots showed that getting physical with him is a way to silence him. 

He is also a piss poor blocker. Those two facts hurt him a lot.

I presented contracts for the top tight ends, ones he will not touch. Those are the upper $6 million and $7 million dollar contracts. Do we think he deserves as much as Antonio Gates, who is making $6.6 million? Probably not. Gates has a much better track record and is easily one of the best receiving tight ends in the NFL, putting up wide receiver like numbers consistently. That right there means his ceiling should be about $6 million. 

The next three down on the list are Heath Miller, Owen Daniels, and Martellus Bennett. Dennis Pitta puts up comparable receiving stats and is probably on the receiving level of all three, although he doesn't present the match-up problems that Bennett does. All three, though, are much better blockers, and have proven to be capable blockers. Pitta's value could lie in with theirs.

The next one's down are John Carlson, Brent Celek, Delanie Walker, and Greg Olsen. They're all making in the $4 million range, and this is where Pitta most likely fits. He fits right in with them as a receiver and is the safety valve for his quarterback, much like Greg Olsen is to Dennis Pitta. Not as good of a blocker as Celek, but probably close to Walker and Olsen.

That puts his value right in between the $4-$5 million range, but given that we only have one "good year" to bank on. 

The best guy to compare him to would be a Greg Olsen. A guy who can go out and catch 60-80 passes for 600-800 yards and 6-8 touchdowns a year, but not a reliable blocker. That would put Pitta right about $4.5 million. 

Better for you?

[jaege]

His post specifically said Pitta would not get Gronk or Graham money, no one is arguing that.

 

 He might. Another team with deeper pockets ans less sense could give it to him. Just like Kruger. Not that I am saying we should or would match a stupid offer, just saying he could get one.

[BmoreBird22]

 

 He might. Another team with deeper pockets ans less sense could give it to him. Just like Kruger. Not that I am saying we should or would match a stupid offer, just saying he could get one.

If Pitta does somehow get Graham/Gronkowski money from another team, I will come back here and eat my words. I promise that much.

[gabefergy]

 

 

I have also presented you with contracts and evidence. Pitta is not a game changing tight end who presents a match-up nightmare for opposing teams. The Patriots showed that getting physical with him is a way to silence him. 

He is also a piss poor blocker. Those two facts hurt him a lot.

I presented contracts for the top tight ends, ones he will not touch. Those are the upper $6 million and $7 million dollar contracts. Do we think he deserves as much as Antonio Gates, who is making $6.6 million? Probably not. Gates has a much better track record and is easily one of the best receiving tight ends in the NFL, putting up wide receiver like numbers consistently. That right there means his ceiling should be about $6 million. 

The next three down on the list are Heath Miller, Owen Daniels, and Martellus Bennett. Dennis Pitta puts up comparable receiving stats and is probably on the receiving level of all three, although he doesn't present the match-up problems that Bennett does. All three, though, are much better blockers, and have proven to be capable blockers. Pitta's value could lie in with theirs.

The next one's down are John Carlson, Brent Celek, Delanie Walker, and Greg Olsen. They're all making in the $4 million range, and this is where Pitta most likely fits. He fits right in with them as a receiver and is the safety valve for his quarterback, much like Greg Olsen is to Dennis Pitta. Not as good of a blocker as Celek, but probably close to Walker and Olsen.

That puts his value right in between the $4-$5 million range, but given that we only have one "good year" to bank on. 

The best guy to compare him to would be a Greg Olsen. A guy who can go out and catch 60-80 passes for 600-800 yards and 6-8 touchdowns a year, but not a reliable blocker. That would put Pitta right about $4.5 million. 

Better for you?

 

Olsen received his contract before he had a breakout season. Walker and Carlson were not anywhere near as productive as Pitta. Celek was given his contract in 2009, how is that relevant to what Pitta will make in 2014? 

 

Heath Miller, Owen Daniels, Zach Miller, and Bennett are probably the best comps, but similarly H. Miller got his contract back in 2009 so that doesnt really hold much weight. All of them are over 5M anyway.

 

Zach Miller got his deal in 2011 and put up stats very similar to what Pitta did except Pitta is significantly better in the RZ.

 

Really the best comp is Jared Cook. He just got his deal this past off-season and received 7M per. He never put up the numbers Pitta has, but has similar upside as an athletic pass-catcher that will create mismatches for an offense.

[gabefergy]

 

 

If Pitta does somehow get Graham/Gronkowski money from another team, I will come back here and eat my words. I promise that much.

 

BTW Gronk makes 9M a year, not 6.9. He was given a 6 year 55 million dollar extension.

[BmoreBird22]

 

Olsen received his contract before he had a breakout season. Walker and Carlson were not anywhere near as productive as Pitta. Celek was given his contract in 2009, how is that relevant to what Pitta will make in 2014? 

 

Heath Miller, Owen Daniels, Zach Miller, and Bennett are probably the best comps, but similarly H. Miller got his contract back in 2009 so that doesnt really hold much weight. All of them are over 5M anyway.

 

Zach Miller got his deal in 2011 and put up stats very similar to what Pitta did except Pitta is significantly better in the RZ.

 

Really the best comp is Jared Cook. He just got his deal this past off-season and received 7M per. He never put up the numbers Pitta has, but has similar upside as an athletic pass-catcher that will create mismatches for an offense.

Walker was fairly decent with a really crappy quarterback situation down in Tennessee. Carlson... just no comment on him. 

Zach Miller may not be the red zone threat that Pitta is, but he is a superior blocker, by far. 

I still maintain that Martellus Bennett would be the best comparison. 

Jared Cook, in my opinion, got paid so much because he was basically a tight end, often splitting out wide and playing in the slot. I realize that Pitta lines up a lot in the slot, but he also lines up as a traditional tight end a fair amount. Now, if we were to start to classify Pitta as a receiver over a tight end, obviously his pay day goes up, but that would be a case for the NFLPA to decide, likely only to happen if the Ravens seek to use the franchise tag.