BYU football in the NFL: Pitta, Sorensen sign new contracts

Two former BYU football stars re-signed with their NFL teams, as Dennis Pitta and Daniel Sorensen got new deals.

BYU football has had its struggles getting players to the NFL over the past few seasons. While Kalani Sitake is trying to change that in Provo, a couple of former Cougars put pen to paper on new contracts over the weekend.

Dennis Pitta restructured his contract, taking a pay cut in the process to stay with the Baltimore Ravens.

Pitta was going to make a $5.5 million base salary, with a cap hit of nearly $8 million. The Ravens haven’t disclosed what the new contract is, but it will be less than those numbers.

Pitta is now one of six tight ends on the roster, joining Benjamin Watson, Crockett Gilmore, Maxx Williams, Nick Boyle and Darren Waller.

This marks the second-straight season that Pitta has restructured his deal. Last year he took a $4 million pay cut.

The former BYU football tight end was one of the best pass catchers in the NFL last season. He led the team – and all tight ends – in receptions with 86. Pitta played in all 16 games – even more impressive when considering the 31-year-old has had two hip fractures/dislocations.

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Daniel Sorensen signed a new deal, and will be returning to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sorensen, who was an undrafted free agent in 2014, signed a four-year, $16 million deal with the Chiefs.

His deal has nearly $8 million in guaranteed money.

Sorensen posted 63 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles last season. He played in nearly 50 percent of KC’s defensive snaps. Sorensen, was also a key force on special teams.