Dennis Pitta

[B-more Ravor]

If he's cleared by the doctors and decides not to play there certainly must be some sort of impact contractually.

 

There is - the $4M guaranteed base salary would not longer be owed/guaranteed.  They could then place him on the reserve/retired list and would get a $4M credit against the Cap (w/ $2.2M remaining on the 2015 Cap).

 

But.......they would have to eat $6.6M in dead money against the 2016 Cap.

 

Otherwise, he plays, is on PUP or IR this year and gets the $4M.  Next year, unless he's proven to be fully recovered, he's likely released and they still take the $6.6M in dead money on the 2016 Cap (or $2.2M in 2016 and $4.4M in 2017 w/ a post-June 1 release/designation).

Edited July 6, 2015 by B-more Ravor

[Tank 92]

There is - the $4M guaranteed base salary would not longer be owed/guaranteed.  They could then place him on the reserve/retired list and would get a $4M credit against the Cap (w/ $2.2M remaining on the 2015 Cap).

 

But.......they would have to eat $6.6M in dead money against the 2016 Cap.

 

Otherwise, he plays, is on PUP or IR this year and gets the $4M.  Next year, unless he's proven to be fully recovered, he's likely released and they still take the $6.6M in dead money on the 2016 Cap (or $2.2M in 2016 and $4.4M in 2017 w/ a post-June 1 release/designation).

 

So there is a $4mil. savings if he decides to retire(but medically cleared), but the dead money is there either way.

Edited July 6, 2015 by Tank 92

[GrimCoconut]

The people who say Pitta should retire probably don't think that maybe Pitta loves football and wants to play even if he's already got a sweet deal for a nice chunk of change. He never appeared to be the kind of guy to play just for the money. I'm not saying he's coming back, but if he did it wouldn't surprise me either way.

[Tank 92]

The people who say Pitta should retire probably don't think that maybe Pitta loves football and wants to play even if he's already got a sweet deal for a nice chunk of change. He never appeared to be the kind of guy to play just for the money. I'm not saying he's coming back, but if he did it wouldn't surprise me either way.

 

 

Me either. But when you've broken your hip twice it has to weigh heavily in the decision.  As much as I'd love to see him play, there's a big part of me that hopes he retires. I just won't be able to watch him play and be comfortable. It will be like watching a dog trying to cross the street.

Edited July 6, 2015 by Tank 92

[ravensnick]

The people who say Pitta should retire probably don't think that maybe Pitta loves football and wants to play even if he's already got a sweet deal for a nice chunk of change. He never appeared to be the kind of guy to play just for the money. I'm not saying he's coming back, but if he did it wouldn't surprise me either way.

I don't think many are saying it to question his love of the game, but rather his health. He literally was just making a cut the second time he got hurt. I think he would just get hurt again if he comes out.

[B-more Ravor]

So there is a $4mil. savings if he decides to retire(but medically cleared), but the dead money is there either way.

 

Yup.  The dead money comes from his $11M signing bonus that was paid in 2014 (which, per the CBA, is prorated over 5 years and counts $2.2M each of those years).  If a player retires, is traded or released, the team must still account for the yearly prorations that haven't yet counted against the Cap.  Which, as of right now, is this year's $2.2M and the $6.6M that would otherwise count against the 2016-18 Caps (if he's still around).

Edited July 7, 2015 by B-more Ravor

[balfan23]

Yup.  The dead money comes from his $11M signing bonus that was paid in 2014 (which, per the CBA, prorated over 5 years and counts $2.2M each of those years).  If a player retires, is traded or released, the team must still account for the yearly prorations that haven't yet counted against the Cap.  Which as of right now is this year's $2.2M and the $6.6M that would otherwise count against the 2016-18 Caps (if he's still around).

Thanks - your cap expertise is always welcome!

[TXRavensFan]

Saw this comment on an article about Austin Collie's CFL debut. If anyone isn't aware,he suffered at least 3 concussions, and no NFL team offered him a contract. It perfectly sums up how I feel regarding Pitta's comeback:
 

Even if he is shortening his life expectancy to do play football, something that obviously means a lot to him and something he long ago made a conscious decision to dedicate himself to despite the fact that it comes with inherent risks and dangers, it is NOT OUR PROBLEM! We can't bubble wrap the entire world for everybody and we can't make everybody live the no risk all safety life we want them to. Even if he does end up with problems late in life, something i'm sure he knows is a possibility, but it still means this much to him to have it be part of his life, then who are we to sit around saying "ohh he shouldn't do this or that, i hope he's not gonna regret this, blah blah", it's not our place to set the priorities of others.

For some people it's more like why would you want to prolong a life where you don't get to live it your way and do what you love?

Obviously, a hip injury isn't life-threatening, but you get the idea.

[Purple Nurple]

Not that I don't want him to play, but I'll cringe every time he's on the field. Double if he's got the ball.

[stampedehero]

For roster room he can be inserted into PUP or IR.  Many want Dennis out but I believe he will be here.  We must all remember the Maxx is a Sophmore coming out of Minnesota and has not tasted game day..  

[Edgar]

I didn't realize how productive Pitta was last year in 2 and 1/2 games. 16 receptions. It seems he picked up right away with Joe.

[January J]

I didn't realize how productive Pitta was last year in 2 and 1/2 games. 16 receptions. It seems he picked up right away with Joe.

no kidding. I think he was likely on his way to a pro bowl season before he went down..A very productive one either way.

[BmoreBird22]

I didn't realize how productive Pitta was last year in 2 and 1/2 games. 16 receptions. It seems he picked up right away with Joe.

  

no kidding. I think he was likely on his way to a pro bowl season before he went down..A very productive one either way.

Definitely skewed by a 10 catch game against the Bengals, but likely a good season

[January J]

Definitely skewed by a 10 catch game against the Bengals, but likely a good season

skewed? Not sure what you mean by that, making catches is making catches no matter how you look at it. Who's to say he wouldn't have put up 10 in a bunch of other games?

[BmoreBird22]

skewed? Not sure what you mean by that, making catches is making catches no matter how you look at it. Who's to say he wouldn't have put up 10 in a bunch of other games?

Skewed means that 16 catches seems impressive until you see he got three in two games and 10 in one. It's be more impressive as 5, 5, 6, but nonetheless, he probably would not be just dropping 10 catch games left and right

[Edgar]

I get where you're coming from but I don't subscribe particularly. I could just as easily say his numbers were skewed by playing one half vs. the browns.

I could say mannings td record was skewed by his throwing seven touchdowns in week one vs. the Ravens. It was, but it doesn't really matter.

Maybe a better sample size would be the four games he played in 2013. He averaged five receptions per game which would give him 80 catches in a full season. My main point is that he and Flacco haven't missed a beat and if by a st one of good fortune, he is healthy and playing, I would expect it to continue.

[January J]

Skewed means that 16 catches seems impressive until you see he got three in two games and 10 in one. It's be more impressive as 5, 5, 6, but nonetheless, he probably would not be just dropping 10 catch games left and right

like I said- I don't think it really matters when and in which games he made the catches. The point is he made the catches. They're his. 16 in 3 games is impressive regardless if you ask me- however everybody looks at things differently.

[BmoreBird22]

like I said- I don't think it really matters when and in which games he made the catches. The point is he made the catches. They're his. 16 in 3 games is impressive regardless if you ask me- however everybody looks at things differently.

I'm just saying I would not have expected anything more than 2012

[January J]

I'm just saying I would not have expected anything more than 2012

Gotta disagree, I think he would have continued to be targeted heavily and kubiaks offense would have helped him flourish. I mean joe had his most succussful year- and naturally pitta was his favorite target so....

[ellicottraven]

I really think we all ought to move past Pitta on to the next era of TEs - Gillmore, Williams and Boyle. Like it or not, Pitta won't be allowed to play to start the season as he'll be placed on PUP or IR with designation to return.

[January J]

I really think we all ought to move past Pitta on to the next era of TEs - Gillmore, Williams and Boyle. Like it or not, Pitta won't be allowed to play to start the season as he'll be placed on PUP or IR with designation to return.

more than likely yes but as of now he is still part of the ravens so there's no need to move past him when I can root for them all.

[BmoreBird22]

Gotta disagree, I think he would have continued to be targeted heavily and kubiaks offense would have helped him flourish. I mean joe had his most succussful year- and naturally pitta was his favorite target so....

Sure, he was Joe's favorite target, as many tight ends are for their quarterbacks because they offer sure hands and a great security blanket, but consider Steve Smith had 18 receptions, which would have probably been about what Pitta had in those 3 games, except Steve had 7, 6, 5, which is a lot more consistent than 10, 3, 3, but Steve finished with 79 catches. You're not often going to have TE catching 80+ passes. I think we can agree Pitta is no Gronk or Graham and Gronk hit 90 once and I believe the same for Graham. They're usually about 85

[January J]

Sure, he was Joe's favorite target, as many tight ends are for their quarterbacks because they offer sure hands and a great security blanket, but consider Steve Smith had 18 receptions, which would have probably been about what Pitta had in those 3 games, except Steve had 7, 6, 5, which is a lot more consistent than 10, 3, 3, but Steve finished with 79 catches. You're not often going to have TE catching 80+ passes. I think we can agree Pitta is no Gronk or Graham and Gronk hit 90 once and I believe the same for Graham. They're usually about 85

not saying he is gronk or graham but it only takes 1 great season for him to hit those type of numbers and elevate his status. I know he's no spring chicken but I think last year would have been pitta in his prime , atleast in the mental aspects of the game. Too late to expect anything like that from him now- considering if he does return he will be used sparingly. However I expect a lot from Crockett and see him getting around 60 catches. Edited July 11, 2015 by January J

[Ravenslifer]

Sure, he was Joe's favorite target, as many tight ends are for their quarterbacks because they offer sure hands and a great security blanket, but consider Steve Smith had 18 receptions, which would have probably been about what Pitta had in those 3 games, except Steve had 7, 6, 5, which is a lot more consistent than 10, 3, 3, but Steve finished with 79 catches. You're not often going to have TE catching 80+ passes. I think we can agree Pitta is no Gronk or Graham and Gronk hit 90 once and I believe the same for Graham. They're usually about 85

 

I think it would be less about Pitta's ability and more about Joe looking to his TE often.  If Pitta was on the field it would not surprise me if he was Joe's first or second read on just about every play last year.  OD had 78 targets, which was 3rd behind Torrey and SSS despite not starting the first game.  Only SSS saw more than 100+ balls come his way last year, about 130.  Through the first 2.5 games games Pitta saw 22 targets - project that over the course of a season and that's around 140 balls.  Obviously that number may fluctuate, but Joe really looked for Pitta a lot last year.  It would not surprise me if, even if it's not Pitta, one of the tight ends like Williams or Gilmore may get close to 80 catches simply because Joe seems to consider his TE his number 1 or 2 option on a lot of plays.

[BmoreBird22]

I think it would be less about Pitta's ability and more about Joe looking to his TE often.  If Pitta was on the field it would not surprise me if he was Joe's first or second read on just about every play last year.  OD had 78 targets, which was 3rd behind Torrey and SSS despite not starting the first game.  Only SSS saw more than 100+ balls come his way last year, about 130.  Through the first 2.5 games games Pitta saw 22 targets - project that over the course of a season and that's around 140 balls.  Obviously that number may fluctuate, but Joe really looked for Pitta a lot last year.  It would not surprise me if, even if it's not Pitta, one of the tight ends like Williams or Gilmore may get close to 80 catches simply because Joe seems to consider his TE his number 1 or 2 option on a lot of plays.

Consider that 15 targets came within the first game alone. That's very unreasonable to project that across a 16 game season when the other two games are at 3 and 4 targets respectively. He had three targets against the Browns in about a half of action and it's probably not going to exceed five or six targets in that game just because Taliefaro and Forsett were having loads of success against the Browns defense. Anyway, it's just very unlikely Pitta would have reached 117 targets. Again, Pitta is not Gronk, Graham, Gates, or Gonzalez, the guys that are wracking up the huge stats. He's not the athletic freak that Gonzalez, Graham, or Gates is and he's not the nightmare mismatch that Gronk is. He's a fine receiver, but people have a large tendency to overrate the Ravens players. Even when Kubiak was the head coach of the Texans, OD never caught more than 70 passes and he eclipsed 60 just two other times and that was in a much higher passing volume attack. 

I wouldn't be entirely shocked to see a combined 80 catches between Gilmore and Williams, but if either one caught 80 passes individually, I'd be extremely shocked.

[BmoreBird22]

not saying he is gronk or graham but it only takes 1 great season for him to hit those type of numbers and elevate his status. I know he's no spring chicken but I think last year would have been pitta in his prime , atleast in the mental aspects of the game. Too late to expect anything like that from him now- considering if he does return he will be used sparingly. However I expect a lot from Crockett and see him getting around 60 catches.

Not entirely true. I mean, maybe he hits 80 catches, but then the league takes far greater notice and pays more attention and Pitta isn't the type to really be a freak mismatch. I mean, he's good, but Ravens fans have a great tendency to overrate their players.

 

Crockett is at like 275 now. He didn't move that well at 250 pounds. Adding 25 pounds won't magically make him move more fluidly. I wouldn't be surprised to see 30 or 40 catches and seeing him get the majority of those in the red zone, but I highly doubt Gilmore is going to be anything amazing as a receiver.

[TXRavensFan]

Ravens fans have a great tendency to overrate their players.

 

 

Not necessarily disagreeing with your post, but just wanted to mention that ALL fan bases do this.

[January J]

Not entirely true. I mean, maybe he hits 80 catches, but then the league takes far greater notice and pays more attention and Pitta isn't the type to really be a freak mismatch. I mean, he's good, but Ravens fans have a great tendency to overrate their players.

Crockett is at like 275 now. He didn't move that well at 250 pounds. Adding 25 pounds won't magically make him move more fluidly. I wouldn't be surprised to see 30 or 40 catches and seeing him get the majority of those in the red zone, but I highly doubt Gilmore is going to be anything amazing as a receiver.

nobody really knows what type of player he could have grown into though. Players usually hit their prime in their 3rd and 4th year, and that's right around the time he got hurt. We know the Dennis pitta from 2012, doesn't mean he couldn't have had a phenomenal year and reached that type of status. Players have huge seasons all the time when nobody sees it coming, and with the connection that he had with joe (that was growing mind you ), and with joe maturing as a qb as well, I just think that he had the potential to have a huge year. Edited July 11, 2015 by January J

[gtalk12]

Hope he is healthy enought to function as an everyday person to be honest with you. What he helped us accomplish in 2012 will never be forgotten.

 

It would be nice if he could come back from all of this and give the Ravens a boost on the offensive side of the ball. Pitta to me was going to go down as the best TE this organization has drafted....

[BmoreBird22]

nobody really knows what type of player he could have grown into though. Players usually hit their prime in their 3rd and 4th year, and that's right around the time he got hurt. We know the Dennis pitta from 2012, doesn't mean he couldn't have had a phenomenal year and reached that type of status. Players have huge seasons all the time when nobody sees it coming, and with the connection that he had with joe (that was growing mind you ), and with joe maturing as a qb as well, I just think that he had the potential to have a huge year.

I would say it's pretty safe to say that he's not reaching a Gronk or Graham status. He just isn't nearly as physically or athletically gifted as them. He was a fine receiving tight end, but he was never going to be one of the elite tight ends. I feel fairly comfortable saying that. I think he could had had more 2012's, which is probably all the Ravens needed, but expecting him to land 80+ catches, which likely puts him up at around 900+ yards, is just flat out unfair