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Baltimore Ravens: 3 Reasons The Ravens Must Keep Dennis Pitta

By Jake McDonnell

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) makes a first down reception during the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the contest 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) makes a first down reception during the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the contest 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) celebrates with quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) celebrates with quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Ravens have too many other roster needs to make tight end a question mark

The 2017 offseason brings much uncertainty to the Ravens. We have already seen Steve Smith Sr. and Zachary Orr retire. Key players like Brandon Williams, Rick Wagner, and Kamar Aiken are probably finding new homes as free agents. Elvis Dumervil and Jeremy Zuttah are probably on their way out as cap casualties. Lardarius Webb might be looking at a pay cut.

With all of that being said, depending on the way things shake out over the next few weeks, the Ravens could potentially have several holes on their roster at the following positions:

  • Running back
  • Wide receiver
  • Center
  • Right tackle
  • Pass rusher
  • Inside linebacker
  • Corner-back
  • Safety
  • Kick returner

Adding tight end to that list would only make the hill steeper for the Ravens. Not all of these positions will be crucial needs, but they are all possible needs. A pay cut scenario for Pitta is certainly in the picture, but cutting him does more harm than good.

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