When the Ravens signed tight end Owen Daniels to a one-year, $1 million contract last year, they did so with the idea that he would complement Dennis Pitta at the position.
When Pitta disclocated and fractured his right hip for the second time within a year last September, Daniels emerged as the starter. He finished third on the Ravens with 48 catches for 527 yards and four touchdowns.
Daniels, 32, has informed the Ravens that he would like to return for another season. Daniels is an unrestricted free agent, so a contract would have to be worked out.
"We've talked to Owen, and Owen says he wants to come back," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said this week. "I'm sure that he and his agent will talk about what's best for them financially, and every other way, but he's very interested in coming back here."
As for Pitta, there's no change in his status.
Pitta may or may not be cleared to play again as he continues to rehab his hip. He is determined to try to play, and his contract is guaranteed for this season, at $4 million, regardless of whether he plays. Pitta signed a five-year, $32 million contract that included $16 million guaranteed last year.
"Basically, we are in a wait-and-see [mode] with Dennis," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "We may not have any answer to that until we get into the summer. But, are we going to try to add some tight ends to this offense? Yes.
"This is a tight end-friendly offense that we watched last year. The better the tight ends we can get on the field, the better this offense will be and the better Joe [Flacco] will play."
awilson@baltsun.com
twitter.com/RavensInsider