Franchising Dennis Pitta could get tricky if Ravens choose to go that route

In an ideal scenario, the Ravens will be able to keep tight end Dennis Pitta on the 2014 roster with a long-term deal.

But it's possible the Baltimore tight end's demand will be too high in free agency, with the Ravens unable to afford a big contract at this time.

So the option of applying the franchise tag for the 2014 season could come into play for the Ravens' tight end.

But there's a catch, as the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson notes in an article posted Thursday.

If Pitta is franchised at the rate for tight ends, he'd earn a $6.709 million tender. But how often has Pitta lined up at tight end in Baltimore's offense?

Pitta has primarily been used as a receiver, and general manager Ozzie Newsome even referred to Pitta as a "very productive receiver in this league" at the State of the Ravens press conference on Wednesday.

Therefore, if Pitta's representation wants to get more money out of a franchise tag, they could lobby the NFL for the Ravens to treat him as a receiver.

If that winds up being the case, and if the NFL ultimately were to conclude Pitta is a receiver, the franchise tender would be $11.539 million for 2014.

Of course, none of this happens if the Ravens reach an agreement with Pitta. Then it won't matter what position the Ravens claim he plays.