Dennis Pitta Signs RFA Tender

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Pitta ended his mini-holdout today by signing his RFA tender worth 2.023 million for one season. There was little interest in Pitta on the free agency market which is hardly a surprise. Pitta was probably never looking to leave because he is now in an offense that focuses on the TE more than any other Pitta has been in and he is best buds with Joe Flacco. Also, teams almost never seriously pursue any free agent that isn’t a 3rd round tender, and even then they only rarely look into them.

Pitta will now be obligated to report for mandatory mini camps(none of which have occurred yet). I would anticipate the Ravens continuing to work on a deal with Pitta throughout the offseason and possibly into the season itself. This deal must get done. Jim Caldwells offense focuses on tight ends and without Anquan Boldin on the team, there is a good chance that Pitta becomes a huge part of the Ravens offense next season. Expecting Pitta to have his first 1000 yard season is certainly not out of the question. The Ravens can’t let Pitta hit unrestricted free agency the year after his best career season. Some team will make him an offer the Ravens can’t match and he will be gone(like Dannell Ellerbe).

Both sides seemingly want to stay together so this shouldnt be a huge deal.