[News] Late For Work 2/24: Ravens 'May Balk' At Dennis Pitta's Salary And Are Mulling Options

[BR News]

Eric Weddle reaches out to Tony Jefferson. Rick Wagner could become the NFL’s second-highest paid right tackle. Qadry Ismail: WR development is a big question facing the Ravens. The importance of running backs being able to block.

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[sizzlingdoom]

CUT PITTA PLEASE. Trade him if you could but that would be tough. I have a hard time thinking Rodgers wouldn't want him. Get a 5th or 6th rounder

[bioLarzen]

Cutting Pitta doesn't mean at all he wouldn't wear a Ravens jersey Week #1. With his injury history, I'm not sure any other team would take a flyewr on him - even with all the upside he would certainly offer as long as he's healthy. So, he may easily be back in Baltimore on a cheaper contract.

All this, of course, assuming he's cut. He may not be cut at all.

[budman]

I think Quadry has a valid question as to why can't we develop young receivers. Is it just a coaching issue? Sounds too simple to be just that. You would think that they could at least learn from the vets that we have had, and we have had some good ones- Mason, Boldin, SSR and so on. I don't understand it either. That is really the only position that we see the slowest development (or none at all)

[rmcjacket23]

Cutting Pitta doesn't mean at all he wouldn't wear a Ravens jersey Week #1. With his injury history, I'm not sure any other team would take a flyewr on him - even with all the upside he would certainly offer as long as he's healthy. So, he may easily be back in Baltimore on a cheaper contract.

All this, of course, assuming he's cut. He may not be cut at all.

I mean that's basically the same as just taking a paycut, which is what most people expect the Ravens ask him to do anyway.

The problem is that he's probably unwilling to take a paycut for a 2nd straight season, especially considering his production last season.

I suppose its possible we cut him and he goes to FA, finds no suitors, and resigns, but I'd consider that unlikely. At that point, we probably certainly either offered him a paycut to stay (which he declines), or just decided we want to get younger at the position all together.

[fusuymada]

Three things, if some moron GM wants to make a right tackle who only had one good year in the last 3 the second highest paid tackle in the league, more power to them. We wont make that mistake when another just as talented right tackle could be gotten in a later round in the draft just like Wagner was picked up.

Cut Pitta with an after June designation. No team in their right mind will pay that money for a guy who had two hip injuries, the last coming without any contact at all. Yes he got through this year but one wrong turn, one bad hit, one twisting catch and he is done for good. We will be able to pick him up for another minimal contract with incentives like last year. If not, then he can retire.

For years we have been saying what Qadry is saying, this is old news. Since our failed high round wr draft picks and when we picked up Derrick Mason we knew that thats why we kept following the method that worked. Why we can't develop them is anyone's guess. Is it because Ozzie can't pick receivers (no receiver we picked that failed caught on anywhere else), is it development (no high round draft pick has amounted to anything), or is it just bad luck, (we have had multiple wide receiver coaches so we can't blame just one guy).

I would think that since 1996 when the Ravens moved here and started failing at WR picks, that an extensive amount of time and money would be utilized to figure this out, but apparently it is not. Just like a newly drafted QB, they are cheap and so are newly drafted WR's. You need these guys to balance your cap space but when you have to pay for a high dollar QB and can't draft WRs you have to spend extra money on really good ones in Free Agency. Fortunately, we have found some older lower priced guys, but we need a killer WR, not just one that will make do. We could develop a killer defense if we didn't have to spend all our money on a QB and a high dollar Wide receiver (because we cant develop one)

Our QB needs to take a voluntary pay cut to clear cap space so we can get a really good WR.

[TheRavengers]

The upside to cutting Flacco's favorite target is another 4 guys to pick up his slack in the event that this happens.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I think Pitta may be amenable to another pay cut.

He and his family are probably comfortable here... with the close relationship he's developed with Flacco, and the friendship their wives and likely kids have now.

Also, the Ravens stuck by him for 2 years when he was out and most thought he'd never play again. Yes, the dead cap hit gave the Ravens incentive to do so, but they couldve decided to rip the bandaid off all at once, take the hit and move on. Instead, they continued to pay him his salary.

So, I could see a situation where because we were loyal to him and paid him when we got no value in return, he might be willing to take a pay cut again even though he provided a level play above that which would demand another cut.

[rmcjacket23]

11 hours ago, fusuymada said:

Three things, if some moron GM wants to make a right tackle who only had one good year in the last 3 the second highest paid tackle in the league, more power to them. We wont make that mistake when another just as talented right tackle could be gotten in a later round in the draft just like Wagner was picked up.

Cut Pitta with an after June designation. No team in their right mind will pay that money for a guy who had two hip injuries, the last coming without any contact at all. Yes he got through this year but one wrong turn, one bad hit, one twisting catch and he is done for good. We will be able to pick him up for another minimal contract with incentives like last year. If not, then he can retire.

For years we have been saying what Qadry is saying, this is old news. Since our failed high round wr draft picks and when we picked up Derrick Mason we knew that thats why we kept following the method that worked. Why we can't develop them is anyone's guess. Is it because Ozzie can't pick receivers (no receiver we picked that failed caught on anywhere else), is it development (no high round draft pick has amounted to anything), or is it just bad luck, (we have had multiple wide receiver coaches so we can't blame just one guy).

I would think that since 1996 when the Ravens moved here and started failing at WR picks, that an extensive amount of time and money would be utilized to figure this out, but apparently it is not. Just like a newly drafted QB, they are cheap and so are newly drafted WR's. You need these guys to balance your cap space but when you have to pay for a high dollar QB and can't draft WRs you have to spend extra money on really good ones in Free Agency. Fortunately, we have found some older lower priced guys, but we need a killer WR, not just one that will make do. We could develop a killer defense if we didn't have to spend all our money on a QB and a high dollar Wide receiver (because we cant develop one)

Our QB needs to take a voluntary pay cut to clear cap space so we can get a really good WR.

1. Wagner's played pretty well every season he's played. The only "down" year he had was the year after his foot injury.

Been a solid player when he's out there for his entire tenure in Baltimore... not sure why fans don't see this.

2. If you cut Pitta, and then sign him again, you achieved the same thing as getting him to take a paycut. The dead money doesn't disappear. That's why its expected that the Ravens will ask him for a paycut again, similar to last season.

3. Our QB doesn't need to do anything, especially when there's nothing to cut. He's only due $6M in salary this year, so asking him to take a paycut from that seems pretty stupid.

Instead of asking the QB to take a voluntary paycut some of the people around him (and himself included) could just start playing better.

What a wild concept. Players just need to play better.

[rmcjacket23]

The upside to cutting Flacco's favorite target is another 4 guys to pick up his slack in the event that this happens.

And the downside, of course, is that none of the guys on the roster have shown much as NFL players, other than the faint glimmer or two of quality play, mixed in with very erratic and inconsistent play.

While I don't necessarily disagree with cutting Pitta, I would say confidently that we aren't going to just cut him and Watson and just roll with Crockett, Maxx, Boyle and Waller as our TEs.

That's a recipe for absolute failure at the position in my eyes.

[BiggMack91]

as far as cutting pitta goes I don't see it happening unless he refuses a pay cut joe will not just stand by while his bestie gets caned and we all should know that now when it comes to Tony Jefferson i love what i see from him if we cut webb lewis wright arington we should have the cap space to sign him as far as wagner goes let him walk I like the options we have in the draft ZACH BANNER,ADAM BISNOWATY,ERIK MAGNUSON or GREG PYKE who is a baltimore native all of these guys have potential to become starting lineman in the nfl If we are going to talk about how are WR always suck look no further than are WR coach and he doesn't get all the blame some goes to HC an FO for not firing his sorry a$$ how do they not fire this guy who obviously has no clue what he's doing then it all comes back to the running back he have good backs but thats not enough for us to be dominant again we need a game changer who can block now saying that I do think we have a hidden gem in dixon if he works his butt off this off season he can beat out west for the starting job plus his first step is quick when healthy
lets go ravens nation

[TheRavengers]

37 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

And the downside, of course, is that none of the guys on the roster have shown much as NFL players, other than the faint glimmer or two of quality play, mixed in with very erratic and inconsistent play.

While I don't necessarily disagree with cutting Pitta, I would say confidently that we aren't going to just cut him and Watson and just roll with Crockett, Maxx, Boyle and Waller as our TEs.

That's a recipe for absolute failure at the position in my eyes.

Oh by no means was I suggesting we cut Pitta, only that there's others we have to become probable starters if we do. Gillmore has shown the most as far as quality and stats, though Boyle is a decent 2nd.

[steelcityraven]

10 reasons not to bring Pitta back.

1. I would not feel like a down grade if any of our TE's had to step into that spot. We are loaded at TE and can get equal or better production for significantly less money!

2. Watson is just simply a much better deal (as a veteran presence) then Pitta. Even if Pitta takes a pay cut... it will probably still be a higher salary then Watson- who is at least equally as talented (I think more)

3. NO YAC.... Pitta gets no yards after the catch and while a sure handed guy who can move the move the chains is highly valued in this league. Pitta simply does not move the chains. Look at his stats. Sure he gets a lot of catches but that is the majority of Joes meaningless check downs. (Look at the failed pass completion stats from yesterdays article). Pitta does not move the chains and cannot turn the small catches into something meaningful anymore. (and frustrates Ravens fans to death by always running routes short of the 1st down).
No YAC renders much of his production meaningless.

4. His presence hinders the progression of our young TE's. Gilmore, Maxx, Waller, and Boyle all seem to simply not be getting the reps they need bc of a veteran presence who ceiling is fairly mediocre.

5. BC the passing game is hindered by Joe's reliance on Pitta. He looks for Pitta so much that he does find the open WR's or give the play time to develop

6. Gilmore, Boyle and probably Maxx are better TE's for our re-vamping the run game (and can still catch and move the chains).

7. Waller and Watson can split the seams and stretch the field and keep both the LBs and S's honest where as Pitta doesn't bring that same threat.

8. Pitta is an injury away from his career being over. (high investment for someone so fragile). Albeit, all players are only a play a way but Pitta has shown a propensity to serious injury and he commands more money then most of TE's put together (other then Watson)

9. I think he would make great trade bait. More so then probably Maxx, Gilmore, Boyle, or Waller (and at least equal to Watson). With as many needs as we have and the depth in this years draft... Pitta could land us a 4th round pick who can be an integral part of our future. (maybe 5th)

10. and this is no small point. Cutting Pitta puts Joe on notice. He seems to have called the shots on Trestman. He seems to have called the shots on retaining Marty. Joe had his way and didn't produce... now it is time for the management to due what is best for the team and tell Joe to stopping worrying about FO decisions and worry about playing QB and producing. This is not about taking care of your buddy or some boys club this is the NFL and with out production you get no say.

[steelcityraven]

CUT PITTA PLEASE. Trade him if you could but that would be tough. I have a hard time thinking Rodgers wouldn't want him. Get a 5th or 6th rounder

I think several teams may be interested in a TE who had 86 receptions last year. Its a solid gamble for a team with a young or rookie QB who wants a security blanket with good hands. I think Pitta best serves the Ravens as trade bait at this point. Everyone under him is ready to take his spot and all of our TEs together are not making as much as Pitta. TRADE him!

[steelcityraven]

As for Tony Jefferson.... I would be excited to have his athleticism and skill set back there beside Weddle. He is the real deal and we could probably land him for less then we are paying Webb!

[steelcityraven]

I think Quadry has a valid question as to why can't we develop young receivers. Is it just a coaching issue? Sounds too simple to be just that. You would think that they could at least learn from the vets that we have had, and we have had some good ones- Mason, Boldin, SSR and so on. I don't understand it either. That is really the only position that we see the slowest development (or none at all)

Hard to develop WRs in a run first offense, who has a new OC every year and a QB who wants to make his living off of check downs! They need to get Joe coached up and we will be shocked and how good Perriman gets!

[BigUgly]

Cut Pitta and Watson and resign one of the two on a cheaper 1-year deal closer to camp.  Cut Doom, Wright and the rest of the flotsam and jetsam secondary pieces.

Let Wagner, Williams and Juice walk, and restructure Wallace to add a year and spread out the cap hit (2018 and 19 are more cap friendly).

Sign steady FA options at OL, ILB, FS/CB, backup QB and FB.

Draft BPA, getting playmakers (WR, CB, Edge Rusher) in rounds 1-2, and solidify the OL and pick up a 3rd down back/KR in rounds 3-4.

[Halshayeji]

27 minutes ago, steelcityraven said:

10 reasons not to bring Pitta back.

1. I would not feel like a down grade if any of our TE's had to step into that spot. We are loaded at TE and can get equal or better production for significantly less money!

2. Watson is just simply a much better deal (as a veteran presence) then Pitta. Even if Pitta takes a pay cut... it will probably still be a higher salary then Watson- who is at least equally as talented (I think more)

3. NO YAC.... Pitta gets no yards after the catch and while a sure handed guy who can move the move the chains is highly valued in this league. Pitta simply does not move the chains. Look at his stats. Sure he gets a lot of catches but that is the majority of Joes meaningless check downs. (Look at the failed pass completion stats from yesterdays article). Pitta does not move the chains and cannot turn the small catches into something meaningful anymore. (and frustrates Ravens fans to death by always running routes short of the 1st down).
No YAC renders much of his production meaningless.

4. His presence hinders the progression of our young TE's. Gilmore, Maxx, Waller, and Boyle all seem to simply not be getting the reps they need bc of a veteran presence who ceiling is fairly mediocre.

5. BC the passing game is hindered by Joe's reliance on Pitta. He looks for Pitta so much that he does find the open WR's or give the play time to develop

6. Gilmore, Boyle and probably Maxx are better TE's for our re-vamping the run game (and can still catch and move the chains).

7. Waller and Watson can split the seams and stretch the field and keep both the LBs and S's honest where as Pitta doesn't bring that same threat.

8. Pitta is an injury away from his career being over. (high investment for someone so fragile). Albeit, all players are only a play a way but Pitta has shown a propensity to serious injury and he commands more money then most of TE's put together (other then Watson)

9. I think he would make great trade bait. More so then probably Maxx, Gilmore, Boyle, or Waller (and at least equal to Watson). With as many needs as we have and the depth in this years draft... Pitta could land us a 4th round pick who can be an integral part of our future. (maybe 5th)

10. and this is no small point. Cutting Pitta puts Joe on notice. He seems to have called the shots on Trestman. He seems to have called the shots on retaining Marty. Joe had his way and didn't produce... now it is time for the management to due what is best for the team and tell Joe to stopping worrying about FO decisions and worry about playing QB and producing. This is not about taking care of your buddy or some boys club this is the NFL and with out production you get no say.

I absolutely feel you as you make a lot of valid points. Except I feel like a lot of what you said is a bit exaggerated.

1- yes we are loaded at TE but Pitta is still the best pass catcher on this squad and everyone else is a downgrade or close to the same production at the moment. Otherwise they would have started last season.

2- if your getting rid of pitta then you might as well just let go of both and use The additions 3mil in savings.

3- I have often argued that pitta doesn't get YAC because the passes thrown his way are usually in traffic or he often has to dive to get them.

5- Well that's a whole other problem. If Flacco keeps staring down his goto guy then he'll stare down the next security blanket. That problem is not solved by releasing his goto guy. He'll just find another one.

9- yes, pitta is worth some value so trading him should be the route we take rather than just flat out cutting him. I also don't see how you made all these arguments against him then slapped a 4th on him lol. I think realistically his value is no more than Thomas who was traded for a 6th if I'm not mistaken. 

[budman]

1 hour ago, steelcityraven said:

10 reasons not to bring Pitta back.

1. I would not feel like a down grade if any of our TE's had to step into that spot. We are loaded at TE and can get equal or better production for significantly less money!

2. Watson is just simply a much better deal (as a veteran presence) then Pitta. Even if Pitta takes a pay cut... it will probably still be a higher salary then Watson- who is at least equally as talented (I think more)

3. NO YAC.... Pitta gets no yards after the catch and while a sure handed guy who can move the move the chains is highly valued in this league. Pitta simply does not move the chains. Look at his stats. Sure he gets a lot of catches but that is the majority of Joes meaningless check downs. (Look at the failed pass completion stats from yesterdays article). Pitta does not move the chains and cannot turn the small catches into something meaningful anymore. (and frustrates Ravens fans to death by always running routes short of the 1st down).
No YAC renders much of his production meaningless.

4. His presence hinders the progression of our young TE's. Gilmore, Maxx, Waller, and Boyle all seem to simply not be getting the reps they need bc of a veteran presence who ceiling is fairly mediocre.

5. BC the passing game is hindered by Joe's reliance on Pitta. He looks for Pitta so much that he does find the open WR's or give the play time to develop

6. Gilmore, Boyle and probably Maxx are better TE's for our re-vamping the run game (and can still catch and move the chains).

7. Waller and Watson can split the seams and stretch the field and keep both the LBs and S's honest where as Pitta doesn't bring that same threat.

8. Pitta is an injury away from his career being over. (high investment for someone so fragile). Albeit, all players are only a play a way but Pitta has shown a propensity to serious injury and he commands more money then most of TE's put together (other then Watson)

9. I think he would make great trade bait. More so then probably Maxx, Gilmore, Boyle, or Waller (and at least equal to Watson). With as many needs as we have and the depth in this years draft... Pitta could land us a 4th round pick who can be an integral part of our future. (maybe 5th)

10. and this is no small point. Cutting Pitta puts Joe on notice. He seems to have called the shots on Trestman. He seems to have called the shots on retaining Marty. Joe had his way and didn't produce... now it is time for the management to due what is best for the team and tell Joe to stopping worrying about FO decisions and worry about playing QB and producing. This is not about taking care of your buddy or some boys club this is the NFL and with out production you get no say.

Agree. #3, #4, #5 = Nail on head

[J.O.14]

As for Tony Jefferson.... I would be excited to have his athleticism and skill set back there beside Weddle. He is the real deal and we could probably land him for less then we are paying Webb!

Well even if we can't land him for less, I would be okay with the same amount. Instead of paying that type of money for a 32 year old safety, we would be paying a 27 year old in his prime with the ability to play out his contract at a high level.

[Adreme]

1 hour ago, BigUgly said:

Cut Pitta and Watson and resign one of the two on a cheaper 1-year deal closer to camp.  Cut Doom, Wright and the rest of the flotsam and jetsam secondary pieces.

Let Wagner, Williams and Juice walk, and restructure Wallace to add a year and spread out the cap hit (2018 and 19 are more cap friendly).

Sign steady FA options at OL, ILB, FS/CB, backup QB and FB.

Draft BPA, getting playmakers (WR, CB, Edge Rusher) in rounds 1-2, and solidify the OL and pick up a 3rd down back/KR in rounds 3-4.

Whatever RT you sign will be worse and probably far worse considering the free agent class than Wagner.  Also any edge rusher at Dooms level will cost more than what you will pay him so be ready for that cap hit.

[billiejean]

Cut Pitta and Watson and resign one of the two on a cheaper 1-year deal closer to camp.  Cut Doom, Wright and the rest of the flotsam and jetsam secondary pieces.

Let Wagner, Williams and Juice walk, and restructure Wallace to add a year and spread out the cap hit (2018 and 19 are more cap friendly).

Sign steady FA options at OL, ILB, FS/CB, backup QB and FB.

Draft BPA, getting playmakers (WR, CB, Edge Rusher) in rounds 1-2, and solidify the OL and pick up a 3rd down back/KR in rounds 3-4.

thats a bit unrealistic

[jsarrocohome@yahoo.com]

I will take pitta over Watson any day of the week reguardless of salary

[Space11jams]

  1 hour ago, BigUgly said:

Cut Pitta and Watson and resign one of the two on a cheaper 1-year deal closer to camp.  Cut Doom, Wright and the rest of the flotsam and jetsam secondary pieces.

Let Wagner, Williams and Juice walk, and restructure Wallace to add a year and spread out the cap hit (2018 and 19 are more cap friendly).

Sign steady FA options at OL, ILB, FS/CB, backup QB and FB.

Draft BPA, getting playmakers (WR, CB, Edge Rusher) in rounds 1-2, and solidify the OL and pick up a 3rd down back/KR in rounds 3-4.

thats a bit unrealistic

right

[Raven in ATL]

the only FA that left earning their new contract was KO. soon rest of the league will catch on and learn not to overpay for Ravens scraps. i can understand players wanting to earn/steal bigger contracts elsewhere. but sometimes success isnt measured by $s, certain players thrived in the Ravens scheme and fizzled once they left.

[billiejean]

11 hours ago, fusuymada said:

Three things, if some moron GM wants to make a right tackle who only had one good year in the last 3 the second highest paid tackle in the league, more power to them. We wont make that mistake when another just as talented right tackle could be gotten in a later round in the draft just like Wagner was picked up.

Cut Pitta with an after June designation. No team in their right mind will pay that money for a guy who had two hip injuries, the last coming without any contact at all. Yes he got through this year but one wrong turn, one bad hit, one twisting catch and he is done for good. We will be able to pick him up for another minimal contract with incentives like last year. If not, then he can retire.

For years we have been saying what Qadry is saying, this is old news. Since our failed high round wr draft picks and when we picked up Derrick Mason we knew that thats why we kept following the method that worked. Why we can't develop them is anyone's guess. Is it because Ozzie can't pick receivers (no receiver we picked that failed caught on anywhere else), is it development (no high round draft pick has amounted to anything), or is it just bad luck, (we have had multiple wide receiver coaches so we can't blame just one guy).

I would think that since 1996 when the Ravens moved here and started failing at WR picks, that an extensive amount of time and money would be utilized to figure this out, but apparently it is not. Just like a newly drafted QB, they are cheap and so are newly drafted WR's. You need these guys to balance your cap space but when you have to pay for a high dollar QB and can't draft WRs you have to spend extra money on really good ones in Free Agency. Fortunately, we have found some older lower priced guys, but we need a killer WR, not just one that will make do. We could develop a killer defense if we didn't have to spend all our money on a QB and a high dollar Wide receiver (because we cant develop one)

Our QB needs to take a voluntary pay cut to clear cap space so we can get a really good WR.

Rick didn't get a lot of playing time his rookie year except for a few snaps in heavy packages. His second year in the league he was the starting RT since day 1 because of Michael Ohers departure. And how did he do? He played lights out. He graded out as the second best RT in the league in his first year as starter. You are right about his 2015 season where his performance was really poor. I think a lot of that can be attributed to the fact that he had a hard time staying healthy that year. And then of course as you stated he had another stand out performance in 2016. You will see what a difference Wagner makes when we don't have im for this upcoming season. And know I don't think that John Urscel could fill his spot.

[Chuckx999]

Cut Pitta, he's due another breakdown so save some cap space. Wagner leaves for big payday. That's just how it works anymore. Get rid of all the "old and slow" players. Time to start over.
Our biggest problem is GM and Head coach. What we need is a GM who can draft!!! Ozzie just doen't have it any more. Harb's got his SB ring and he's not into it anymore.
Until those problem are fixed we will just be another 7-9 or 8-8 team.

[robbie29]

Pitta's situation with the Ravens = Brian Roberts & the Orioles

[robbie29]

"We wont make that mistake when another just as talented right tackle could be gotten in a later round in the draft just like Wagner was picked up."

The problem is that Wagner is the exception to the rule. It's highly unlikely we'll get a RT as solid as Wagner in rounds 4-7. The vast majority of O Line players Ozzie picks up in late rounds are guys like Urschel, Harewood, Jensen, or Robert Myers. Ozzie's drafts aren't anything like they were 1996-2006. These days, the misses far outnumber the hits. Another problem is that since all our money is locked up in aging and/or injured players plus our subpar QB, we don't have the money to retain the good players we draft. Once their rookie contract is up, they're gone.

 

I do agree with you about Flacco needing to take a pay cut. Unfortunately, it ain't gonna happen.

Edited February 24 by robbie29

[steelcityraven]

I will take pitta over Watson any day of the week reguardless of salary

Really why? Pitta is smaller then Watson, slower then Watson and doesn't come close to the career production that Watson has put up. (Watson in 11 seasons - nearly 5000 yards and 38 TDs / Pitta is 6 seasons has just over 2000 yards and only 13 TDs

Watson is coming off of a serious injury but his pales in comparison to Pitta's injuries. Pitta is 5 years younger but I do not believe that his body knows that.

and we have Watson at nearly 1/2 the salary as Pitta. Just curious why you say that you would rather have Pitta over Watson every day of the week... (I can only assume that this has more to do with non-football related preferences)?