The Facts: Pitta isn't giving up just yet. After consulting with doctors and weighing the risks of playing in the wake of twice dislocating and fracturing his hip, the Baltimore Ravens' tight end has decided to attempt a return to the playing field in 2016, a source told FOXSports.
Diehards Line:
Pitta is expected to participate in the team's offseason workouts and the spring practices, with the hope being he will be ready for full contact this summer and into the fall when the season begins. Pitta, 30, hasn't played since Week 3 of the 2014 season, when he injured his hip against the Cincinnati Bengals. Getting Pitta back to form (61 receptions in 2012 and a touchdown in the Super Bowl to cap his breakout season) would be a bonus for the Ravens, who have used high draft picks on Crockett Gilmore (third round, 2014) and Maxx Williams (second round, 2015) and signed free agent Ben Watson two a two-year deal this offseason. Pitta is slated to earn $5 million this upcoming season as part of a five-year, $32 million contract he signed in 2014. None of the remaining money on the contract is guaranteed.