Update: Pitta probable to play again

[GrimCoconut]

I agree, but there is the idea that you're paying him $4M and he may not even play or play effectively, in which case his roster spot (which we clearly see in an injury-riddled season becomes very important) is sort of a waste. I understand its dead money regardless of whether he plays or not, but it would open up a roster spot in theory.

Ultimately, if he wants to play and he gets cleared to play, I fully expect him to be back.

I'm not sure if I correctly interpreted your post, but I don't see how he will cost us a roster spot when he can ride the reserve/PUP designation for a maximum of approximately 9 weeks of the regular season. That's 6 weeks of PUP, 5 weeks and another 3 weeks to decide whether to activate him or not. Who knows what kind of injuries we'll endure by then. The downside to this is you can't let him practice until week 7, which is significant itself, but it gives you time if you're not sure. You also have that 3 week window evaluate his practices.

With the chemistry he and Joe have together, I think he's one of the few guys who could come in cold and an impact.

[rmcjacket23]

I'm not sure if I correctly interpreted your post, but I don't see how he will cost us a roster spot when he can ride the reserve/PUP designation for a maximum of approximately 9 weeks of the regular season. That's 6 weeks of PUP, 5 weeks and another 3 weeks to decide whether to activate him or not. Who knows what kind of injuries we'll endure by then. The downside to this is you can't let him practice until week 7, which is significant itself, but it gives you time if you're not sure. You also have that 3 week window evaluate his practices.

With the chemistry he and Joe have together, I think he's one of the few guys who could come in cold and an impact.

Or, its possible that he doesn't get put on the PUP list, and he's just active and not playing well all season long. That's my overall point.

 

It also has the potential to change what we are doing on draft day/FA. If we knew Pitta was going to retire, you would think a pass catching TE would be pretty high on the priority list, particularly in the draft. If we think Pitta can play and play well, then that would probably be a wasted draft pick of sorts.

 

Again, I'd say the most likely and probably the correct scenario is for him to be on this team next season. I doubt the franchise would outright cut him in 2015 unless he retires.

[JoeyFlex5]

when i saw he went down for no reason whatsoever and it was his hip that brought him down, i assumed he would never play again, and honestly i still feel that way. i dont know how he can just be running normally and suddenly blow that same hip out, and expect that he can play again.. he cant run a contact free route without re injuring it, call me pessimist but i just dont see it. its a shame because pitta is a great guy and was a real asset to this team and the locker room, certainly a fan favorite, and flaccos go to guy, its a devastating loss for us but we have succeeded without him and we will continue to, wish him all the best though. 

 

seeing him go down that day in cleveland really hurt my heart, just one of those things no fan wants to see, regardless of who you root for.

[GrimCoconut]

Or, its possible that he doesn't get put on the PUP list, and he's just active and not playing well all season long. That's my overall point.

It also has the potential to change what we are doing on draft day/FA. If we knew Pitta was going to retire, you would think a pass catching TE would be pretty high on the priority list, particularly in the draft. If we think Pitta can play and play well, then that would probably be a wasted draft pick of sorts.

Again, I'd say the most likely and probably the correct scenario is for him to be on this team next season. I doubt the franchise would outright cut him in 2015 unless he retires.

I think he'd get put on the PUP list if there was any reservation. You like historical evidence, so I'll point to Cody as an example.

I think that would be the way we go. It's really the most logical, for reasons I already explained. It seems unnecessary to think otherwise if there are any reservations. If we think he's good to go, he won't go on PUP.

[B-more Ravor]

I think he'd get put on the PUP list if there was any reservation. You like historical evidence, so I'll point to Cody as an example.

I think that would be the way we go. It's really the most logical, for reasons I already explained. It seems unnecessary to think otherwise if there are any reservations. If we think he's good to go, he won't go on PUP.

 

Exactly.  If he's not ready by TC and week 1, there's no reason to not put him on PUP.  Heck, he may be better off sitting for a year and taking it slower this time around.  Downside is that he'll be a year older, but (pure speculation only) it's possible that the reoccurrence was because he rushed back last Dec and there wasn't truly enough rehab and healing going on.

 

He could also go on IR if the decision was to not rush him back, so either way, there's no reason for him to be taking up a spot on the 53.

[B-more Ravor]

Exactly, personally I don't think he plays a down of meaningful football ever again but he will be with the team next year regardless , because his cap hit would accelerate if released. Cutting him or him retiring in 2016 would save 600k, where as next year would be dead money of 6.6 million if cut.

 

If they do end up releasing him in 2016, I'd think they'd want to split up the $6.6M in dead money.  So, my guess would be a June 1 release designation, thereby saving $5M on the 2016 Cap, with Dead money of $2.2M in 2016 and $4.4M on the 2017 Cap.

[rmw10]

Exactly.  If he's not ready by TC and week 1, there's no reason to not put him on PUP.  Heck, he may be better off sitting for a year and taking it slower this time around.  Downside is that he'll be a year older, but (speculation only) it's possible that the reoccurrence was because he rushed back last Dec and there wasn't truly enough healing going on.

 

He could also go on IR if that was the decision, so there's no reason for him to be taking up a spot on the 53.

 

That's what I figured would be the case even if it was stated that he couldn't play again.  Financially, it makes no sense for him not to be on PUP or IR unless we truly believe he's ready to play come week 1.  Even if the injury had forced him to retire, I thought we'd enter a handshake agreement to keep him on PUP or IR all year to help us with the cap.

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

I love Dennis but his life after football is more important. There are a lot of good posts here on how we can save the cap hit and keep him on the team, but run him out to take another hit? No,it's just not worth the risk to him or his family. Call Bo Jackson, that was rough to watch play out.

[bMore Heathen]

Regardless of what doctors say he needs to not play next year. He needs time to recover. He was out all of last year, was cleared by doctors, went through TC and was injured again early this year. That seems like a reoccurring injury to me. There is no reason to rush him back, for himself or the team. We can't go through the offseason thinking he will be fine and not addressing TE, then have him get hurt again. IR him next year and if he comes back in 2016, great!!! If not, we have a replacement.

[berad]

We miss Pitta, he was an athletic mismatch and obviously very reliable.

 

Daniels has been solid but he's just an average TE at this point, no fault of his own, he's a vet. Gilmore is coming along and Supernaw as well, who knows what they'll become...

 

Find it hard to believe but encouraging that doctor's say this injury won't affect his future (playing and otherwise) going forward. Good luck, Dennis, I'd like to see you out there again if you're willing and able.

[Militant X 1]

I just hope he thinks it through carefully and listens to the doctors' advice. I know people sometimes get into their minds they want something and ignore what is best for them.

 

Would love for Pitta to return - but would love it more that he can still walk at 35.

 

Absolutely!  Sure, football is a game and Pitta's livelihood, and yet; to be able to move around on your own strength and power is a blessing.  A "game" is not really worth that.  And if he is unable to return, at least he won that all elusive "chip".  Good for him!

 

just like webb.   im done with these injured/double inured IR'ed players making a miracle comeback.   

 

no more putting all the chips on their return.  we need to stack our draft/FA on TE/CB and if jimmy/pitta comes back to contribute, that is fine.  but they should be considered a bonus next offseason.

 

I agree!  The moment that I saw Dennis go down in that game I knew it was horrible!  Then to here that it was the same hip as before?  Wow!  At this point, Pitta just needs to focus on healing up and his potential life beyond the game.

 

he needs to retire, why put yourself back in danger of never being able to walk for football?

 

I feel the same way about it!

[frozen joe flacco fan]

Joe doesn't need a security blanket; he needs a big, strong, athletic TE like Gonzalez, Gates or Gronk. Dennis won a Super Bowl ring. Its time to "walk" away from the game under your own power, Dennis.

Ozzie needs to draft a clone of himself, Shannon Sharpe or John Mackey. That's all folks! And as for a corner back, we need a solid CB whether Jimmy comes back at full strength or not.

[Juviebest]

I know most of you won't believe me or the ensuing story given my zero credibility but oh well...

A buddy of mine was doing work on Harbs house for 3 weeks and got to know Mrs Harbs. She said we tried trading for Vernon Davis right after Pitta went down but the Niners wanted a 3rd. Needless to say it never materialized. I believe solely because of Oz's past trading habits and his Maryland connection...that and this particular buddy has never fibbed to me in 10+ years.

Looking at Davis's contract and his lack of involvement in the offense I think he will be cut after the season. I can see Oz replacing OD with him and seeing what happens with Pitta.

Should be interesting regardless.

[DomMcRaven]

I know most of you won't believe me or the ensuing story given my zero credibility but oh well...

A buddy of mine was doing work on Harbs house for 3 weeks and got to know Mrs Harbs. She said we tried trading for Vernon Davis right after Pitta went down but the Niners wanted a 3rd. Needless to say it never materialized. I believe solely because of Oz's past trading habits and his Maryland connection...that and this particular buddy has never fibbed to me in 10+ years.

Looking at Davis's contract and his lack of involvement in the offense I think he will be cut after the season. I can see Oz replacing OD with him and seeing what happens with Pitta.

Should be interesting regardless.

Talking about getting Flacco a go-to target. That'd be nice!!

[ravensnick]

Joe doesn't need a security blanket; he needs a big, strong, athletic TE like Gonzalez, Gates or Gronk. Dennis won a Super Bowl ring. Its time to "walk" away from the game under your own power, Dennis.

Ozzie needs to draft a clone of himself, Shannon Sharpe or John Mackey. That's all folks! And as for a corner back, we need a solid CB whether Jimmy comes back at full strength or not.

Sorry, I firmly disagree. Joe has so much chemistry with Pitta (and we gave him so much guaranteed money for the future) that he is a hugely important asset to the orgizantion. Not to mention a great guy to have on the team, on and off the field.

 

As for drafting one of those players, you could draft 50 TE and not get a guy like that. Those are an extremely elite group that appear once ever 10 years at the max. 

 

Literally those guys are the only guys at that level...ever. That's impossible to project, expect, or demand from any player.

[1/28/01]

I know most of you won't believe me or the ensuing story given my zero credibility but oh well...

A buddy of mine was doing work on Harbs house for 3 weeks and got to know Mrs Harbs. She said we tried trading for Vernon Davis right after Pitta went down but the Niners wanted a 3rd. Needless to say it never materialized. I believe solely because of Oz's past trading habits and his Maryland connection...that and this particular buddy has never fibbed to me in 10+ years.

Looking at Davis's contract and his lack of involvement in the offense I think he will be cut after the season. I can see Oz replacing OD with him and seeing what happens with Pitta.

Should be interesting regardless.

I believe it and dig insider info. Thanks for sharing.

[frozen joe flacco fan]

Sorry, I firmly disagree. Joe has so much chemistry with Pitta (and we gave him so much guaranteed money for the future) that he is a hugely important asset to the orgizantion. Not to mention a great guy to have on the team, on and off the field.

 

As for drafting one of those players, you could draft 50 TE and not get a guy like that. Those are an extremely elite group that appear once ever 10 years at the max. 

 

Literally those guys are the only guys at that level...ever. That's impossible to project, expect, or demand from any player.

You are correct about one thing! HOF Tight Ends don't come along in every draft but is that a reason not to draft one. The point is Dennis Pitta will never be a HOF TE, healthy or not. If he is as smart as I believe he is, he will retire without playing another down in the NFL. So, you can disagree

all you want but Dennis is no longer a valuable asset to the organization. He is in fact a liability. He'll be paid 4 million dollars next year to rehab his hip dislocation. I'm not a doctor but I

suspect its probably a chronic condition at this point. We need to move on from the Dennis Pitta era and draft someone like Todd Heap.

condition at this point

[ravensnick]

You are correct about one thing! HOF Tight Ends don't come along in every draft but is that a reason not to draft one. The point is Dennis Pitta will never be a HOF TE, healthy or not. If he is as smart as I believe he is, he will retire without playing another down in the NFL. So, you can disagree

all you want but Dennis is no longer a valuable asset to the organization. He is in fact a liability. He'll be paid 4 million dollars next year to rehab his hip dislocation. I'm not a doctor but I

suspect its probably a chronic condition at this point. We need to move on from the Dennis Pitta era and draft someone like Todd Heap.

condition at this point

As good as a TE is coming into the draft, never, ever, ever expect that much from him. Expect at best a perennial great player. How do you know he's gonna be a HOF before he gets drafted? Most don't know until 10 years into their careers. Also:

 

Gronk was taken in the 3rd

Graham was taken in the 3rd

Gates was Undrafted

Witten was taken in round 3

Shannon Sharpe was taken in Round 7

 

All these great guys weren't top draft picks. Predicting TE success can be very tricky. Jermaine Gresham was one of the best College TEs of all time and has really struggled in the Pros. You don't just draft a HoF. 

 

If we cut Pitta, we take a huge cap hit for like the next 304 years, with nothing to show. We might as well keep him and get something from him. Plus, he obviously still wants to play.

 

You don't just draft someone like Todd Heap. Eric Ebron was take at 11 in the first round and was the top TE in the draft yet doesn't even have 200 yds receiving this year. getting a good TE takes time and patience. The draft rarely gives any sort of instant gratification. 

[frozen joe flacco fan]

As good as a TE is coming into the draft, never, ever, ever expect that much from him. Expect at best a perennial great player. How do you know he's gonna be a HOF before he gets drafted? Most don't know until 10 years into their careers. Also:

 

Gronk was taken in the 3rd

Graham was taken in the 3rd

Gates was Undrafted

Witten was taken in round 3

Shannon Sharpe was taken in Round 7

 

All these great guys weren't top draft picks. Predicting TE success can be very tricky. Jermaine Gresham was one of the best College TEs of all time and has really struggled in the Pros. You don't just draft a HoF. 

 

If we cut Pitta, we take a huge cap hit for like the next 304 years, with nothing to show. We might as well keep him and get something from him. Plus, he obviously still wants to play.

 

You don't just draft someone like Todd Heap. Eric Ebron was take at 11 in the first round and was the top TE in the draft yet doesn't even have 200 yds receiving this year. getting a good TE takes time and patience. The draft rarely gives any sort of instant gratification. 

 

Not so fast! Todd Heap was a 1st round pick in 2001 and he turned out pretty well. Pitta and Dickson (Dropsun) were both drafted in 2010 and neither is playing for the Ravens now.Dennis Pitta had a ton of potential but, unfortunately, his career is over IMHO. Nobody would be happier than me if he had a miraculous recovery and could play again. I just don't see it happening.  

[Petteri Moilanen]

"I've asked a lot of questions about that of the doctors, our trainers and Dennis, and everything I've been told ... And I have to be honest with you, it was surprising to me, because my assumption would be like, ‘Wow, this is twice in a row. It's going to be tough.' But they say it has no bearing on the future ," Harbaugh said. "It heals 100 percent. Dennis can play again. Dennis has told me he wants to play again, and of course, if he wants to play, he'll get every opportunity to play if the medical people clear him. And I've been told, to this point, that they see no reason why he wouldn't be cleared if everything goes according to plan."

--http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2014/12/9/7359931/john-harbaugh-expects-full-recovery-from-dennis-pitta

Pitta wants to play [x]
Team wants Pitta to play [x]
Doctors are optimistic [X]

So it seems he will play if he's cleared to play. Today's medical care is pretty impressive but if he gets hurt again then he needs to retire and hopefully he don't need an artificial hip after that. Big money and big dreams so I think for him it's worth the risk to come back.

[BSHU_Miami]

I know most of you won't believe me or the ensuing story given my zero credibility but oh well...

A buddy of mine was doing work on Harbs house for 3 weeks and got to know Mrs Harbs. She said we tried trading for Vernon Davis right after Pitta went down but the Niners wanted a 3rd. Needless to say it never materialized. I believe solely because of Oz's past trading habits and his Maryland connection...that and this particular buddy has never fibbed to me in 10+ years.

Looking at Davis's contract and his lack of involvement in the offense I think he will be cut after the season. I can see Oz replacing OD with him and seeing what happens with Pitta.

Should be interesting regardless.

you know this was always in the back of my mind as something that can happen this offseason. I'll love for it to happen and I think it will.

[ravensnick]

Not so fast! Todd Heap was a 1st round pick in 2001 and he turned out pretty well. Pitta and Dickson (Dropsun) were both drafted in 2010 and neither is playing for the Ravens now.Dennis Pitta had a ton of potential but, unfortunately, his career is over IMHO. Nobody would be happier than me if he had a miraculous recovery and could play again. I just don't see it happening.  

TE in the first round have a very high bust rate.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I know most of you won't believe me or the ensuing story given my zero credibility but oh well...

A buddy of mine was doing work on Harbs house for 3 weeks and got to know Mrs Harbs. She said we tried trading for Vernon Davis right after Pitta went down but the Niners wanted a 3rd. Needless to say it never materialized. I believe solely because of Oz's past trading habits and his Maryland connection...that and this particular buddy has never fibbed to me in 10+ years.

Looking at Davis's contract and his lack of involvement in the offense I think he will be cut after the season. I can see Oz replacing OD with him and seeing what happens with Pitta.

Should be interesting regardless.

I believe it and could see it happening, although as great a player as he is he seems to be somewhat of a distraction in the locker room. And it seems to be effecting his play.

But I think he'd fit in here and do well. He'd give us a top target at TE which would take the pressure of Pitta to return as quickly and if he can't return or isn't the same player no biggy. If he does return and plays at a high level then we've got the best TE due in the league and the perfect personnel for Kubiaks offense.

The only thing I'm not sold on is the front offices willingness to tie up that much cap on the TE position. Though it would be great to solidify the position and free us up I double dip on secondary in the early rounds of the draft.

[Maryland]

I know most of you won't believe me or the ensuing story given my zero credibility but oh well...

A buddy of mine was doing work on Harbs house for 3 weeks and got to know Mrs Harbs. She said we tried trading for Vernon Davis right after Pitta went down but the Niners wanted a 3rd. Needless to say it never materialized. I believe solely because of Oz's past trading habits and his Maryland connection...that and this particular buddy has never fibbed to me in 10+ years.

Looking at Davis's contract and his lack of involvement in the offense I think he will be cut after the season. I can see Oz replacing OD with him and seeing what happens with Pitta.

Should be interesting regardless.

Regardless of whether this story is true or not, I actually considered VD coming to the Ravens this offseason as a distinct possibility.

 

Obviously there is the MD connection and the need at TE, but there is also the fact that the 49ers could save 5 mil in cap space by cutting him. This is a considerable factor because the 49ers will be entering 2015 with the 3rd worst cap situation (projected 10 mil over the cap before roster cuts). Another factor that warents his release is his health and performance. VD has not only been hobbled with hamstring and back injuries, but he has lost his speed to beat teams over the top. He has also inexplicably had some problems with drops.

 

All signs point to VD being cut (which is important because Ozzie loves his compensatory picks), but the question that emerges is how much is VD worth? He will be 31 next season, has been injury prone, and is coming off his worst season yet. Local fans would love the homer pick, but how much can we afford to pay an aging TE? How long do you sign him? Personally, I don't think we have much cap space to afford him. He will be the best FA TE by a large margin, many teams will be interested, and some will probably overpay. 

 

If Pitta attempts a come-back, I don't think they sign VD. I think they might instead plan for Pitta to stay healthy and put their faith in Gilmore to grow into a capable #2 TE. The only thing that might create a bigger need for VD is the amount of 2-TE sets Kubiak runs. If they plan on using their #2 TE a lot more than what we've seen, maybe they will see the value in signing VD. However, there are much bigger needs to fill in our secondary than at TE. We will have to wait and see.