TE Dilemma: Now and Going Forward

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

So one of our better positions of depth on the team is TE. Next year we will have. 

Dennis Pitta

Benjamin Watson(who will most likely be cut or retired. So for the sake of discussion no, I'm not including him)

Crockett Gillmore

Maxx Williams

Nick Boyle

Darren Waller

 

And let's face it.. We can't keep all of them. All of them have flashed at some point that they have potential to be a #1 TE. So what are we to do. Well. Here we go..

 

Dennis Pitta: Flacco's bff. Is most likely gone. Sorry guys. He's had one good game all season but overall has struggled as a whole, and for that contract he honestly isn't worth keeping around. I could see him returning on a cheap one year prove it deal, but I just don't see it. He's getting up there, and to the point where his athletic ability is declining anyway. He doesn't provide much as a blocker. I love him, but don't see him returning.

 

Crockett Gillmore: The oft-injured fan favorite. He's a good guy YAC, but is poor with contested balls, and frankly isn't that great of a route runner to begin with for a TE. That being said, he's the perfect TE #2 on this team. He's a pretty good blocker, and if we could ever get a two TE offense going, he'd be a good compliment to Maxx or Boyle.

 

Maxx Williams: To those who say he's hit a wall.

1. Doctor said he could play through the cartilidge injury. I think IR'ing him was logical. Let the injury heal fully so we don't have to worry about too much in the future. 

2. He was seeing the field. As much as I hate using "blame the coaches", the fact that Marc Trestman decided to use Crockett during passing plays rather than Maxx, who given his college tape, and the bengals game last year when we fed him the ball, has proven to have superior hands, and is slowly becoming a better blocker, is mind-boggling to me. I mean, he was seeing the field on blocking plays when he's shown flashes of being a great recieving TE at the pro level.

Sorry, I'd bet a pretty penny that he's still the future of the TE corps. He's flashed his potential at times to be a very reliable target in the future and is still very young. Too early to give up on him, and his job is easily safe. 

 

Nick Boyle: Here's where it gets tricky. Our best route running TE who's honestly your typical classic TE. Catch and turn, good blocker, reliable hands. I honestly think he might superseded both Crockett and Waller as the #2 guy when he comes back since he'd give the offense a much needed reliable option. If he wasn't such a bone head his job would easily be safe, but otherwise if he screws up again he's gone. 

 

Waller: Move TE, nothing more. Elite athletic ability. Would love to have him here but too many cooks, one kitchen ya know?

 

Either way, what do you think the future is? I think Maxx will be the #1 while Crockett turns into the #2 with Boyle filling in and doing a damn good job of it when Crockett inevitably gets injured. 

Edited November 15, 2016 by LosT_in_TranSlatioN

[ravensnj]

I believe you will get the most offense from the Pitta/ Boyle combo. Just don't ask Pitta to block the likes of a James Harrison. 

[ALPHA]

I think we should move on from Pitta and Crockett due to age and durability issues, availability should be a focal point if we're serious about being more consistent.

As for Boyle I dont like him on our team but I dont think hes going anywhere, luckily he is a well rounded talent and could be a good #2 TE provided he stops juicing.

Maxx Williams has to be the guy going forward, he has the most natural talent as a reciever and would probably look a whole lot better in the right high powered offense, we've done him no favors.

Waller has athleticism and potential but is way behind the curve.

 

[rmw10]

I highly doubt we'll ever see Watson play a regular season down for this team.  Pitta just isn't worth the money he'll be making, so unless he takes a paycut, I'm assuming he's gone as well.

That leaves 4, and I don't see much of a dilemma there.  We roll with 4 and if we can keep them all, great.  We're seeing this year how quickly depth can disappear, so no sense in moving on from anyone for any other reason than salary.

[rmcjacket23]

12 minutes ago, ALPHA said:

I think we should move on from Pitta and Crockett due to age and durability issues, availability should be a focal point if we're serious about being more consistent.

As for Boyle I dont like him on our team but I dont think hes going anywhere, luckily he is a well rounded talent and could be a good #2 TE provided he stops juicing.

Maxx Williams has to be the guy going forward, he has the most natural talent as a reciever and would probably look a whole lot better in the right high powered offense, we've done him no favors.

Waller has athleticism and potential but is way behind the curve.

 

1. I do agree with the likelihood of letting Pitta go. The only possible caveat of this is if he's willing to take another large paycut like he did this season. If you could slash his salary down to around the $2M range, you can free up about $3-3.5M in cap space, which would be beneficial.

2. No scenario where we cut Gillmore. He's extremely cheap (cap hit under $1M in 2017) and he's easily are most well rounded TE on the roster. I agree with durability issues, but you don't cut players as productive as him (especially as a blocker in a run game that's struggling) for durability issues. Him not playing isn't costing the team that much in terms of spending, because he doesn't make much money.

3. Maxx will similarly be retained because he's also affordable and is probably the better pass catching TE on the roster.

4. No idea what happens with Boyle or Waller. I'm not a big fan of Boyle, but he's similarly affordable. Waller is a good ST player and seems to be gaining steam as a pass catcher, so he likely stays.

My guess is that we definitely keep Crockett, Waller and Maxx, and then probably look to add a TE in the draft or in FA. I don't think Boyle is guaranteed a roster spot.

[VermontRaven]

22 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

1. I do agree with the likelihood of letting Pitta go. The only possible caveat of this is if he's willing to take another large paycut like he did this season. If you could slash his salary down to around the $2M range, you can free up about $3-3.5M in cap space, which would be beneficial.

2. No scenario where we cut Gillmore. He's extremely cheap (cap hit under $1M in 2017) and he's easily are most well rounded TE on the roster. I agree with durability issues, but you don't cut players as productive as him (especially as a blocker in a run game that's struggling) for durability issues. Him not playing isn't costing the team that much in terms of spending, because he doesn't make much money.

3. Maxx will similarly be retained because he's also affordable and is probably the better pass catching TE on the roster.

4. No idea what happens with Boyle or Waller. I'm not a big fan of Boyle, but he's similarly affordable. Waller is a good ST player and seems to be gaining steam as a pass catcher, so he likely stays.

My guess is that we definitely keep Crockett, Waller and Maxx, and then probably look to add a TE in the draft or in FA. I don't think Boyle is guaranteed a roster spot.

These are great points.  Basically, I think Crockett, Maxx, Waller, and Boyle will all be in training camp (and most likely on roster until at least the final cut)  With Pitta, it depends on his salary.  As you said, if he's willing to take another paycut, he is worth keeping.  Basically, I think that means we keep 4/5 going into camp and let them battle it out.  I could definitely see us carrying 4 on the final roster, but not 5.  IF all come back and all are healthy, it will come down to performance for who makes the roster and how the playing time will be allotted.

[rmw10]

24 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

1. I do agree with the likelihood of letting Pitta go. The only possible caveat of this is if he's willing to take another large paycut like he did this season. If you could slash his salary down to around the $2M range, you can free up about $3-3.5M in cap space, which would be beneficial.

2. No scenario where we cut Gillmore. He's extremely cheap (cap hit under $1M in 2017) and he's easily are most well rounded TE on the roster. I agree with durability issues, but you don't cut players as productive as him (especially as a blocker in a run game that's struggling) for durability issues. Him not playing isn't costing the team that much in terms of spending, because he doesn't make much money.

3. Maxx will similarly be retained because he's also affordable and is probably the better pass catching TE on the roster.

4. No idea what happens with Boyle or Waller. I'm not a big fan of Boyle, but he's similarly affordable. Waller is a good ST player and seems to be gaining steam as a pass catcher, so he likely stays.

My guess is that we definitely keep Crockett, Waller and Maxx, and then probably look to add a TE in the draft or in FA. I don't think Boyle is guaranteed a roster spot.

Boyle isn't guaranteed next year, but he'll certainly be back this year when his suspension is up.  They need a blocker at TE in the worst way.  Waller is still learning and Pitta is just awful at blocking.  Gillmore can block but the health is a question mark there.

[Rav'n Maniac]

I don't see Pitta being here with a 5.5m base for each of the next two seasons. Maybe if he adjusted his base to 1m in each, as he did this year, he hangs on.

I think Gilmore, Williams, Waller and Boyle are the near future and I also feel, of them all, that Waller has the most potential, if he is taught and is played correctly. At 6'6" with 4.4 speed he could become a huge weapon for us once he fully understands the position.

[rudywasoffsides]

The real dilemma is we don't have a TE on the roster that is actually good. Kind of funny to think back to training camp when everyone on this board was talking a big game about us having the best TE group in football. I would trade the whole lot of our guys for Martelus Bennett in a heartbeat. 

1) Pitta - one good game and has done a disappearing act since. Also can't block to save his life.

2) Gilmore - Always hurt

3) Maxx - Always hurt, but willing to give him another year since we haven't really used him for whatever reason.

4) Waller - special teamer

5) Boyle - Always suspended

6) Watson - Who?? Jk but not really.

 

Time for our fan base to admit our tight ends are trash. If they weren't they would be having more of an impact this season. Half the time I don't even know if we even have one on the field because they literally bring nothing to the table. Hoping Maxx actually shows up next year to solve this issue 

[Ravenseconbeast]

Maxx has to really change his physique.   Its really now or never for him.   Once draft comes, our offense get some new weapons to play with.   And players that did not perform/injured will be washed off by players that will make immediate impact.   Maxx will be a old story if he does not dedicate himself to be a superstar in NFL.

[January J]

I think Boyles future might ride on how he produces in the last 6 games of the season. If waller can continue to produce as well he will be kept BC he doesn't cost much either. The wildcard is Watson, depends on if he even wants to continue playing which i havent heard him speak on. The way I see it next year is:

Watson, Crockett, Maxx, Waller . 

Pitta could replace Watson if he takes another paycut or if watson retires, but I see his time here sadly coming to an end. Like I said, Boyle could fight his way back into the mix too if he shows he can still produce- he did actually look much more polished than maxx and was a pleasant surprise. But 2 suspensions for the same type offense shows very poor decision making. However a lineup of Crock- Maxx- Waller - Boyle is nothing to sneeze at and would literally cost us next to nothing as they are all still on rookie contracts. Vet leadership is needed but Crockett might take that next step if he can stay healthy.

[elemento]

To me it's pretty simple

 

Pitta - I don't care if he is Flacco's BFF. He can't block to save his life and he is 1 big hit away from retiring. He got paid a good chunk of cash without performing and he is not Gronk to be worth the risk. Let him go

Watson - cut. Thanks for nothing. 

Maxx Williams - he is our future TE. 

Gilmore - Great blocker, decent TE overall but injury-prone. I'd say keep him while he is cheap.  

Boyle - Bone-head and drug addict. 2 chances are enough. Keep him depending on what he produces in the last 6 games of the season. If he doesn't and has another drug problem, just BYE. 

Waller - raw freak of nature, good ST player.  Keeper. I see no reason to let him go. 

Keepers - Gilmore/Maxx/Boyle/Waller and that's it. 

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

15 hours ago, rmw10 said:

Boyle isn't guaranteed next year, but he'll certainly be back this year when his suspension is up.  They need a blocker at TE in the worst way.  Waller is still learning and Pitta is just awful at blocking.  Gillmore can block but the health is a question mark there.

 

I think Boyle could be hugely beneficial to the offense going forward. I honestly trust his hands more than I trust Crockett's, and he knows how to get open due to his route running ability. Could be a potential contributor going forward. 

 

I just am mad we IR'd Maxx right now lol. But I understand why we did it. But mark my words, under Marty he'd get passing plays(I mean.. He was seeing the field unlike Arthur Brown and Trestman was just using him wrong.. Screw him). 

 

I kind of want an OC going forward that takes advantage of TEs. 

[Ravenseconbeast]

I loved Nick Boyle's pick.  I said right from the start that I thought he was going to be our starting TE ahead of Crockett when we drafted him.  

But now, I don't see him as a viable solution to our TE woes.   To me.. he is long gone.   Once you get caught twice, the probability of him doing it again is almost inevitable.    

Maxx is the only real candidate that can stick around to start producing for us.   We might be forced to keep either Watson or Pitta just out of pure necessity, but Maxx really has no excuse to constantly get himself into IR and underperform.    

His expectation should've been a top 5 TE in NFL as a top 2nd rd pick.   

I see one dark horse, but only if he keeps producing is Darren Waller.   Other than that, this hefty investment into TEs has been a major mess.

Edited November 16, 2016 by Ravenseconbeast

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

7 minutes ago, Ravenseconbeast said:

I loved Nick Boyle's pick.  I said right from the start that I thought he was going to be our starting TE ahead of Crockett when we drafted him.  

But now, I don't see him as a viable solution to our TE woes.   To me.. he is long gone.   Once you get caught twice, the probability of him doing it again is almost inevitable.    

Maxx is the only real candidate that can stick around to start producing for us.   We might be forced to keep either Watson or Pitta just out of pure necessity, but Maxx really has no excuse to constantly get himself into IR and underperform.    

His expectation should've been a top 5 TE in NFL as a top 2nd rd pick.   

I see one dark horse, but only if he keeps producing is Darren Waller.   Other than that, this hefty investment into TEs has been a major mess.

Are you kidding me? He's been on the IR once in his career and has played two seasons in the NFL. Doctors even said he could have played through this injury and Harbaugh decided to let him sit the year to let him get healthy. And given his injury was a cartilage injury, that was the smart thing to do. You don't mess with that. That was Harbaugh's choice. Not his. And I think it comes back to bite us in the butt later this season because outside of Steve, we don't really have a hands guy I trust. Pitta has under preformed, Wallace is a good weapon but has always had suspect hands, and Perriman's hands are super duper inconsistent. 

 

And as much as I hate to throw an OC under the bus as I usually like to refrain from the blame to coaches style of thinking, TRESTMAN NEVER USED HIM CORRECTLY. He showed progress as a blocker this season and when we threw him the ball last season he looked good. His stat line for a rookie TE was good and it showed, as he showed very good hands and route running last season. He honestly looked like the best recieving TE on the roster last year because Crockett's hands are suspect especially in contested situations(an area Maxx has proven in college he's good at).

 

And to call him injury prone already is hilarious to me considering he missed a grand total of two games last season, and they were non-consecutive, with him being back next week. And Maxx's injury is one Harbaugh said he was fighting before, and could continue to play through. 

“It’s the same thing he’s had,” Harbaugh said when asked about Williams on Monday. “It’s a cartilage issue that he has in there. It’s not something that can be fixed until it’s fixed. The doctors have to tell us what the best course of action is going forward. He can still play. Is it the best thing for him and all of that? We’ll have to figure that out.”(source http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-place-tight-end-maxx-williams-on-injured-reserve-20161007-story.html).

It's a cartalige issue. You let that thing heal to prevent further injury. As much as I hate it, it's the right call. 

I am a believer. I think a lot of his game is similarl to Witten's. Good route runner, good hands, good blocker, good athlete. Not a freak, but a good player. 

Not to mention last season he was one of the youngest players in the NFL because he came out as a redshirt sophomore. 

 

I'm mad that Trestman didn't use him correctly at the beggining of the season, but calling him injury prone is absurd.  And I wouldn't count Boyle out yet. 

 

Even then Crockett is a good TE#2. So he's worth keeping around. 

 

I don't think it's a lost cause. To label a player after two years is a bad idea. Especially someone as young as Maxx was when he was entering the NFL.

[ALPHA]

17 hours ago, rmcjacket23 said:

1. I do agree with the likelihood of letting Pitta go. The only possible caveat of this is if he's willing to take another large paycut like he did this season. If you could slash his salary down to around the $2M range, you can free up about $3-3.5M in cap space, which would be beneficial.

2. No scenario where we cut Gillmore. He's extremely cheap (cap hit under $1M in 2017) and he's easily are most well rounded TE on the roster. I agree with durability issues, but you don't cut players as productive as him (especially as a blocker in a run game that's struggling) for durability issues. Him not playing isn't costing the team that much in terms of spending, because he doesn't make much money.

3. Maxx will similarly be retained because he's also affordable and is probably the better pass catching TE on the roster.

4. No idea what happens with Boyle or Waller. I'm not a big fan of Boyle, but he's similarly affordable. Waller is a good ST player and seems to be gaining steam as a pass catcher, so he likely stays.

My guess is that we definitely keep Crockett, Waller and Maxx, and then probably look to add a TE in the draft or in FA. I don't think Boyle is guaranteed a roster spot.

I didn't say we should cut Gillmore just that we should move on when his contract is up, it's definitely Pittas last year here though. Gillmore/Maxx/Boyle/Waller doesn't inspire a lot of confidence so we should keep looking for upgrades.

[rudywasoffsides]

6 hours ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Are you kidding me? He's been on the IR once in his career and has played two seasons in the NFL. Doctors even said he could have played through this injury and Harbaugh decided to let him sit the year to let him get healthy. And given his injury was a cartilage injury, that was the smart thing to do. You don't mess with that. That was Harbaugh's choice. Not his. And I think it comes back to bite us in the butt later this season because outside of Steve, we don't really have a hands guy I trust. Pitta has under preformed, Wallace is a good weapon but has always had suspect hands, and Perriman's hands are super duper inconsistent. 

 

And as much as I hate to throw an OC under the bus as I usually like to refrain from the blame to coaches style of thinking, TRESTMAN NEVER USED HIM CORRECTLY. He showed progress as a blocker this season and when we threw him the ball last season he looked good. His stat line for a rookie TE was good and it showed, as he showed very good hands and route running last season. He honestly looked like the best recieving TE on the roster last year because Crockett's hands are suspect especially in contested situations(an area Maxx has proven in college he's good at).

 

And to call him injury prone already is hilarious to me considering he missed a grand total of two games last season, and they were non-consecutive, with him being back next week. And Maxx's injury is one Harbaugh said he was fighting before, and could continue to play through. 

“It’s the same thing he’s had,” Harbaugh said when asked about Williams on Monday. “It’s a cartilage issue that he has in there. It’s not something that can be fixed until it’s fixed. The doctors have to tell us what the best course of action is going forward. He can still play. Is it the best thing for him and all of that? We’ll have to figure that out.”(source http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-place-tight-end-maxx-williams-on-injured-reserve-20161007-story.html).

It's a cartalige issue. You let that thing heal to prevent further injury. As much as I hate it, it's the right call. 

I am a believer. I think a lot of his game is similarl to Witten's. Good route runner, good hands, good blocker, good athlete. Not a freak, but a good player. 

Not to mention last season he was one of the youngest players in the NFL because he came out as a redshirt sophomore. 

 

I'm mad that Trestman didn't use him correctly at the beggining of the season, but calling him injury prone is absurd.  And I wouldn't count Boyle out yet. 

 

Even then Crockett is a good TE#2. So he's worth keeping around. 

 

I don't think it's a lost cause. To label a player after two years is a bad idea. Especially someone as young as Maxx was when he was entering the NFL.

Dude Maxx is definitely injury prone, the guy was always on the injury report last year and missed a ton of practice time with various and assorted ailments last year that I think significantly slowed his development. I hope we give him one more year and actually give him a fair shot to win the lions share of our TE snaps next year, but honestly some of the things you are saying about him I'm just not seeing. Great hands? I mean maybe in college, but not really sure you can say that about his NFL career yet. He had 250 yards last year, too small a sample size to say he is this great pass catching TE with phenomenal hands. Good athlete? Wrong again, my man gets NO separation because he is slow as molasses. Speed is something he needs to work on this offseason in my opinion to help him get better separation and compliment his route running. 

 

I am good rolling the dice with Maxx/Boyle/Waller next year because they are all cheap and if they don't produce hey at least we know we can move on. It's not like our TE's are producing this year so it wouldn't be some big loss. Cut Pitta and Watson, too expensive for too little production. Cut Gilmore, guy is always hurt and isn't very good anyways 

[VermontRaven]

3 minutes ago, rudywasoffsides said:

Dude Maxx is definitely injury prone, the guy was always on the injury report last year and missed a ton of practice time with various and assorted ailments last year that I think significantly slowed his development. I hope we give him one more year and actually give him a fair shot to win the lions share of our TE snaps next year, but honestly some of the things you are saying about him I'm just not seeing. Great hands? I mean maybe in college, but not really sure you can say that about his NFL career yet. He had 250 yards last year, too small a sample size to say he is this great pass catching TE with phenomenal hands. Good athlete? Wrong again, my man gets NO separation because he is slow as molasses. Speed is something he needs to work on this offseason in my opinion to help him get better separation and compliment his route running. 

 

I am good rolling the dice with Maxx/Boyle/Waller next year because they are all cheap and if they don't produce hey at least we know we can move on. It's not like our TE's are producing this year so it wouldn't be some big loss. Cut Pitta and Watson, too expensive for too little production. Cut Gilmore, guy is always hurt and isn't very good anyways 

I just don't see cutting Gillmore.  I know he has injury issues, but he is solid to good whenever he is in there.  And it's not like Maxx is very durable either.  We saw this year how important it is to have depth.  We would be taking a HUGE risk if we rolled into training camp and the season with just Maxx/Boyle/Waller.  Maxx hasn't proved to be durable.  Boyle is one more dumb decision to his career being done (minimum of 2 year suspension if another PED violaton)  Waller has potential, but he has never been a major focal point.

[January J]

6 hours ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Are you kidding me? He's been on the IR once in his career and has played two seasons in the NFL. Doctors even said he could have played through this injury and Harbaugh decided to let him sit the year to let him get healthy. And given his injury was a cartilage injury, that was the smart thing to do. You don't mess with that. That was Harbaugh's choice. Not his. And I think it comes back to bite us in the butt later this season because outside of Steve, we don't really have a hands guy I trust. Pitta has under preformed, Wallace is a good weapon but has always had suspect hands, and Perriman's hands are super duper inconsistent. 

 

And as much as I hate to throw an OC under the bus as I usually like to refrain from the blame to coaches style of thinking, TRESTMAN NEVER USED HIM CORRECTLY. He showed progress as a blocker this season and when we threw him the ball last season he looked good. His stat line for a rookie TE was good and it showed, as he showed very good hands and route running last season. He honestly looked like the best recieving TE on the roster last year because Crockett's hands are suspect especially in contested situations(an area Maxx has proven in college he's good at).

 

And to call him injury prone already is hilarious to me considering he missed a grand total of two games last season, and they were non-consecutive, with him being back next week. And Maxx's injury is one Harbaugh said he was fighting before, and could continue to play through. 

“It’s the same thing he’s had,” Harbaugh said when asked about Williams on Monday. “It’s a cartilage issue that he has in there. It’s not something that can be fixed until it’s fixed. The doctors have to tell us what the best course of action is going forward. He can still play. Is it the best thing for him and all of that? We’ll have to figure that out.”(source http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-place-tight-end-maxx-williams-on-injured-reserve-20161007-story.html).

It's a cartalige issue. You let that thing heal to prevent further injury. As much as I hate it, it's the right call. 

I am a believer. I think a lot of his game is similarl to Witten's. Good route runner, good hands, good blocker, good athlete. Not a freak, but a good player. 

Not to mention last season he was one of the youngest players in the NFL because he came out as a redshirt sophomore. 

 

I'm mad that Trestman didn't use him correctly at the beggining of the season, but calling him injury prone is absurd.  And I wouldn't count Boyle out yet. 

 

Even then Crockett is a good TE#2. So he's worth keeping around. 

 

I don't think it's a lost cause. To label a player after two years is a bad idea. Especially someone as young as Maxx was when he was entering the NFL.

People just don't have patience when it comes to first and second rounders. They expect them to produce right away and if they don't they quickly get the bust label. Obviously that's just silly. Do I wish he would  have showed us more ? Ofcourse. I don't think he's playing to his potential and I don't think he's in the best of shape, but we have to remember this kid is 22 years old. He's still a damn baby. Give him some time to develop. Its a shame he had to miss the rest of the season BC he loses that valuable learning experience- but it was obviously the right move.

23 minutes ago, VermontRaven said:

I just don't see cutting Gillmore.  I know he has injury issues, but he is solid to good whenever he is in there.  And it's not like Maxx is very durable either.  We saw this year how important it is to have depth.  We would be taking a HUGE risk if we rolled into training camp and the season with just Maxx/Boyle/Waller.  Maxx hasn't proved to be durable.  Boyle is one more dumb decision to his career being done (minimum of 2 year suspension if another PED violaton)  Waller has potential, but he has never been a major focal point.

Yeah Makes no sense to cut crock. He costs us next to nothing- great blocking tight end who also can make plays and bulldoze ppl. I expected more out of him this year but he's not going anywhere.

[Deflated Football]

Please just keep Maxx and Waller. They would be a matchup nightmare in two Tight End sets 

[Tru11]

id go with crockett maxx and waller.

pitta and watson are not the future and boyle is a suspension waiting to happen.

waller is a special teams ace who offers some intresting skills as well.
worth developing while he makes his mark on special teams.

 

[terrynjulia03]

They're all still under contract next year. Now obviously Watson is gone, not too sure about Pitta, considering he's what 2nd in the team in receptions? BUT given his cost, he may be asked to take another pay cut or be released. 

Looking ahead, I.e a 2018ish and beyond my guess would by Maxx, Crocket and Waller are on e team. Boyle is facing a season long ban if he even farts in the wrong direction and I bet the Ravens cast him aside. 

[ALPHA]

I'm hoping we can land two in the draft, durability is a major issue.

[rmw10]

7 hours ago, ALPHA said:

I'm hoping we can land two in the draft, durability is a major issue.

I hardly think that's necessary.

[gtalk12]

Maxx, Boyle, Waller.....we need to keep the first 2 and work Waller more.

 

Waller is really a WR.

[Edgar]

OJ Howard (people would lose their mind) is a very good TE. He can run , catch, and he routinely takes on DE'S and moves them. A very effective in line blocker that would improve both the run game and our passing game.

It would surprise me a little if he was our first round pick but I'm expecting us to draft a tight end. Maxx will be here but Crockett could go.

[Somerset Ravens]

Next year I see the Ravens cutting either Pitta or Watson ( possibly both) . Pitta's $ 5.5m salary for 2017 and 2018 make him the obvious choice unless his production for the remainder improves dramatically and he is willing to renegotiate.

I think the Ravens should bring Gilmore, Williams, Boyle and Watson to camp next season giving each of them a chance to earn a roster spot.

[Rav'n Maniac]

27 minutes ago, Somerset Ravens said:

Next year I see the Ravens cutting either Pitta or Watson ( possibly both) . Pitta's $ 5.5m salary for 2017 and 2018 make him the obvious choice unless his production for the remainder improves dramatically and he is willing to renegotiate.

I think the Ravens should bring Gilmore, Williams, Boyle and Watson to camp next season giving each of them a chance to earn a roster spot.

Respect your opinion but, I don't see them bringing Watson to camp with a $3m base next year and letting Waller go, considering he'll be 36 at that time and returning from major injury.

[Somerset Ravens]

39 minutes ago, Rav'n Maniac said:

Respect your opinion but, I don't see them bringing Watson to camp with a $3m base next year and letting Waller go, considering he'll be 36 at that time and returning from major injury.

I agree with you that saving $3m is significant. I think if you bring Watson into camp to compete with Williams, Boyle, Gilmore and Waller it gives us a level of protection in case of injury to any of our tight ends. We can still cut Watson prior to the regular season and save the $ 3m if he proves not worthy of that salary. Of course we would run the risk of losing the $ 3m if Watson suffered another season ending injury in the preseason.

[rmw10]

3 hours ago, Somerset Ravens said:

I agree with you that saving $3m is significant. I think if you bring Watson into camp to compete with Williams, Boyle, Gilmore and Waller it gives us a level of protection in case of injury to any of our tight ends. We can still cut Watson prior to the regular season and save the $ 3m if he proves not worthy of that salary. Of course we would run the risk of losing the $ 3m if Watson suffered another season ending injury in the preseason.

The thing to look at with Watson is if he even wants to come back, or if he's just going to call it a career.  I'm definitely not questioning his toughness or desire or anything, but a recovery from an Achilles tear is a very rigorous program.  At his age (again, I know it sounds bad), does he want to go through that process to likely get 1 more year out of his career?  Steve Smith just did it, so it's not impossible of course, but I think there's a serious question mark as to whether Watson's time in the NFL is over or not.