The deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with other teams passed more than a month ago, leaving most players in that position with little choice but to sign their tenders for the 2013 season.
Tight end Ed Dickson is part of that group, so it’s not a huge surprise to see the Ravens’ announcement that Dickson has signed his tender. It’s even less of a surprise since Dickson has been participating in OTAs with the team after signing a waiver allowing him to practice without risking losing the $1.32 million he’s set to make under the tender.
Dickson had 21 catches for 225 yards in 2012, a big drop from his 54 catches and 528 yards the previous season. Dennis Pitta, who signed his own restricted free agent tender earlier this month, will again be the team’s lead tight end, but the loss of Anquan Boldin could lead to a bigger role for Dickson on the offense this season.
If it does, he’ll be in line for a bigger contract after the season when he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent and the Ravens probably won’t have to dip into the veteran wide receiver market for help in the passing game.
