The Atlanta Falcons are slowly accepting the idea that Tony Gonzalez is not returning to the team in 2014. The tight end intends to actually commit to retirement this time around after accepting a job with CBS as an NFL analyst. The departure of Gonzalez leaves the Falcons short-handed at the tight end position and currently scouting potential free agents for help.
The Falcons have plenty of free agents currently on their roster to worry about, but that is not stopping the team from looking at who is available elsewhere. While the offensive line is certainly taking priority, replacing Gonzalez is also a big need.
According to Baltimore Ravens beat writer Clifton Brown, the Atlanta Falcons are the top target for tight end Dennis Pitta if the team fails to negotiate contract extension before free agency. As of now, the Ravens are trying to negotiate a new deal for the tight end without having to use their franchise tag. According NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Baltimore and Pitta have been meeting about a new deal and have until March 3 before they potentially use the tag on the tight end.
Pitta wants to avoid getting tagged but might have no choice. He could end up in the same boat as Jimmy Graham where he deserves to be labeled a wide receiver over a tight end considering how the team uses him. The Ravens may line Pitta up as a wide receiver more, but intend to pay him as a tight end, which is the cheaper one-year contract.
Right now, it is being reported that the Ravens and Pitta are very far apart on contract terms meaning a deal is not likely to get done. Pitta plans on taking the Graham approach and filing a grievance against the Ravens if they tag him as a tight end. He lined up more as a wide receiver and there is a $4.8 million salary difference with the two contracts. If Pitta wins, that could seriously hurt things for the Ravens who still have to work out deals for players like left tackle Eugene Monroe.
The Falcons interest in Pitta certainly makes sense. In 2012, he put up 669 yards and seven touchdowns. He missed a portion of 2013 after hip surgery, but managed to catch 20 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown in four games. While the Falcons have some youth at the tight end position on the roster, getting someone like Pitta to line up with Julio Jones and Roddy White could make Atlanta forget all about Gonzalez.
