Veteran tight end Jason Witten is leaving Dallas Cowboys for the second time in his career. But this time, he won’t retire. Instead, Witten will take on the colors of Las Vegas Raiders.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Witten has agreed to a one year deal with the Raiders on Tuesday. The Cowboys’ legend will reportedly have a salary of up to $4.75 million in 2020.
After following the 2017 NFL season, Witten decided to return to professional football in 2019 on a one-year deal with Dallas, where he spent the first 15 years of his career. He ended up starting all 16 games while contributing with 63 receptions for 529 yards and four touchdowns. These were among his lowest numbers since his rookie year.
During the offseason, Witten expressed the desire to continue playing football in 2020, saying he wants it to be with Cowboys. However, the Cowboys had other plans, which allowed the Raiders to swoop in and sign the 37-year-old.
Jason Witten leaves the Cowboys as one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise. His 16 seasons and 255 games played the most of any Cowboys’ player while he also holds records franchise records for receptions (1,215) and receiving yards (12,977). During his time in Dallas, Witten earned 11 Pro Bowl nods alongside two First-Team All-Pro selections.
Las Vegas Raiders raid of Cowboys didn’t stop with Witten, as the team also signed defensive tackle Maliek Collins and safety Jeff Heath from Dallas. Raiders also brought in Rod Marinelli, who was Dallas’ defensive coordinator for the past five years, to coach their defensive line.
