Ravens release Dennis Pitta

On Wednesday the Baltimore Ravens announced that they’re parting ways with seven-year NFL tight end Dennis Pitta.

Five days ago Pitta suffered a hip injury on a non-contact play during an organized team activity. On Wednesday, the team parted ways with the veteran. Pitta, a BYU product, leaves the Ravens having played his entire 66-game NFL career in a Baltimore uniform.

Pitta has struggled with injuries for the last several seasons. His rookie year he played in 11 games for Baltimore, then played an entire 16-game slate in 2011 and 2012. In July 2013 he suffered a dislocated and fractured hip during training camp. He wouldn’t return to the field until Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings.

After signing a five-year $32 million deal in the offseason, Pitta’s 2014 campaign was cut short after three games due to a dislocated hip. He missed the 2015 season as well, and in November of that year was advised by doctors that it would be unwise to continue his NFL career.

Pitta passed on retirement and returned to the Ravens in 2016. It was the most productive season to date. He appeared in all 16 games, starting 12, and caught 86 passes for 729 yards and a pair of touchdowns. For his efforts he was named AFC Comeback Player of the Year.

Pitta’s Ravens career comes to a close with a total of 224 receptions, 2,098 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He is a member of the Baltimore team that defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

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Pitta’s contributions to the Ravens receiving corps are sure to be sorely missed in 2017. Last season he was third on the team in receiving yards behind Mike Wallace and Steve Smith. Thanks in large part to his improved performance,. Baltimore ranked 12th in the NFL in passing yards per game with 256.2 yards per contest.