Ravens sign Dennis Pitta to long-term extension

The Ravens can check off perhaps their biggest item on their offseason to-do list. Per Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, the Ravens and tight end Dennis Pitta have come to an agreement on a five-year contract extension. Wilson also reports the deal is worth $32 million per a league source.

Last season, Pitta missed 12 games due to a fractured and dislocated hip he suffered during the first week of training camp. Pitta's value was clearly demonstrated as the Ravens offense and close friend, quarterback Joe Flacco, struggled to find rhythm as Pitta's role was reduced to a bystander.

Pitta was never a guarantee to return once being placed on injured reserve, even though he had been given the return designation. Not only did Pitta end up playing by Week 14, he also had his most productive game. Pitta caught six passes for 48 yards and his only touchdown of the season during a snow-filled thrilling battle with the Minnesota Vikings.

In four total games, Pitta tallied 20 receptions for 169 yards and a touchdown.

Now with Pitta locked up for the foreseeable future, the Ravens can turn their attention to retaining left tackle Eugene Monroe, whom the team traded a 4th and 5th-round selection to Jacksonville during the middle of the season. The move was also the first in-season trade in Ravens franchise history.

As it's well known, Pitta and Flacco are close friends and are no doubt going to celebrate. At what may be the biggest pizza party ever, Pitta at least now has enough money to pick up the tab.