Baltimore Ravens: Dennis Pitta Takes A Pay Cut

Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta has taken a pay cut.

The Ravens made it clear at the beginning of free agency that tight end Dennis Pitta wasn’t going anywhere, but there were still questions. Pitta was coming into this season with a $5 million hit on the cap and the team wanted him to take a pay cut. It was announced today that Pitta restructured his contract with the team, taking a pay cut. He will make $2.5 million in base salary in 2017 and $3 million in 2018. This move helps the Ravens free up $2.5 million in cap space this offseason.

$2.5 million might not seem like a lot, but it helps the Ravens significantly. It could be the difference in bringing in a veteran free agent. Now that Pitta is officially here to stay, the Ravens have six tight ends on the roster. With a lot of the positions needing depth, the tight ends are not a problem. Veteran Ben Watson could be on his way out, but most likely won’t be released until he passes a team physical. There is also the possibility that Nick Boyle could be experimented at a fullback, especially with the loss of Kyle Juszczyk.

A Hometown Discount

While Dennis Pitta was not a free agent, it is still nice to see him take a hometown discount. To be fair, the Ravens have stuck with Pitta through his injuries. He suffered a major hip injury in 2013 that forced him to miss most of the season. The following season he signed a 5 year, $32 million contract extension. Early into the 2014 season Pitta suffered a second hip injury. His playing future was in question, but intense rehab got him back for the 2016 season.

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It would have been a major loss if the Ravens had to cut Pitta. He was the second leading receiver last season, racking up 729 yards. With questions at the wide receiver position, it is important to keep him on the roster. He is one of Joe Flacco’s favorite targets and was pivotal in the Raven’s 2013 Super Bowl run.