In 2012, Dennis Pitta broke out as one of the league’s top offensive tight ends. In the last three years, however, he has played in only seven games. Despite the constant setbacks, Pitta is adamant that he is not done playing. 
“I definitely do want to be on the field playing football,” Pitta told Glenn Clark Radio Friday (audio link). “That’s something that I really want to happen.”
At the same time, Pitta also admitted that he is not a lock to play again and that he will heavily lean on the advice of doctors. The tight end has played in only three games since receiving a five-year deal with $16MM guaranteed in February 2014, leading many to wonder if he might be forced to retire at this point.
Pitta’s five-year, $32MM contract extension does not call for any guaranteed money, so his spot on the Ravens’ roster is not a sure thing. Pitta, who has suffered multiple major hip injuries, was advised by doctors in November that he could not take the field in the 2015 season. Although Pitta hoped to return anyway, Ravens officials and the coaching staff urged him to follow the advice of those doctors, to avoid risking re-injury.
Pitta recorded career-best marks in receptions (61), yards (669), and touchdowns (7) in 2012 and he hopes to bring that kind of production back to Baltimore in 2016.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
I don’t pretend to know the details of his medicals, but based on publicly-available information, he should not play again. I realize for a professional athlete who was just beginning to establish himself, that’s a bitter pill to swallow, but he also needs to be able to walk for the rest of his life. He has a ring, he’s made a fair amount of money, and the bizarre way in which he re-injured his hip in 2014–he just slipped and fell, with no contact whatsoever–suggests that he should perhaps move on. The Ravens wouldn’t save a ton of cap space by cutting him, but they would save salary, so perhaps they would consider cutting him and re-signing him at a lower rate if he still wants to give it another shot.
I agree. I like the guy, but given his last injury was completely unforced, I think it might be time for him to focus on his health and being able to walk for the next 40-50 years.