The Raiders and long-time Cowboys veteran tight end Jason Witten have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million. The news comes after the Cowboys agreed to a three-year extension with promising young tight end Blake Jarwin

Witten spoke to reporters in February about his desire to finish his career in a Cowboys’ uniform but remained open to playing elsewhere if the opportunity presented itself. “I think I have to be,’’ Witten said. “Obviously, that’s not ideal. I would love to finish it out here. But you know, some of those things are not in your control. I’m not naive enough to think that couldn’t be somewhere else. Of course, I want that to be with the Dallas Cowboys. I will always be a Dallas Cowboy but also understand that may mean with all the changes that I have to go somewhere else.’’

Witten hopes to use his experience to improve Oakland tight end Darren Waller’s game even more. The 27-year-old is coming off a career season that consisted of career-highs in catches (90), receiving yards (1,145) and touchdowns (3) after battling substance abuse issues the last couple of years. Jon Gruden has great respect for veteran players and must feel confident in Witten’s leadership abilities that his young Raiders team desperately needs.

Witten was the longest-tenured player on the Cowboys having spent his entire 16-year career with Dallas. Last season, he compiled 63 receptions for 529 yards and four touchdowns. He leaves the franchise as the all-time leader in games played (239), receiving yards (12,939) and receptions (1,215).

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Frank DeLorenzo

Article by Frank DeLorenzo

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