Jason Witten reveals why he left Cowboys for the Raiders
By Scott Rogust
Former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten reveals the reason he left Dallas for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Football fans have been used to seeing tight end Jason Witten wearing the Dallas Cowboys star on his helmet. He was a member of the Cowboys since he was selected in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft and was brought out of semi-retirement by team owner Jerry Jones last year. But now, he’s a member of the Las Vegas Raiders.
During a video conference with the media on Monday, Witten explained why he chose to sign on with Jon Gruden and the Raiders for the 2020 season, saying it had to do with the Cowboys switching over to a new coaching staff.
“Yeah, I mean there was talks of that,” Witten said, via the Raiders Twitter broadcast. “I mean, I think anytime you have a coaching change and a new program being built, that’s part of this business. Obviously, I had a great relationship over 16, 17 years there with the Jones family. Very honest and very upfront. Of course, with Mike [McCarthy], look, that’s a talented team. But this was a unique opportunity for me as well to come here. I’m invigorated by this challenge, where I am in my career. It made a lot of sense from the fit and the role and the presence that I could have. I didn’t really overthink it. Just a great opportunity to go in there and compete. I’m very fortunate for that. I’ll challenge myself to play at a high level, even where my age is. It’s been a lot of fun for me.”
A changing of the guard led to Witten joining the Raiders
As Witten mentions, the Cowboys were heading in a new direction Head coach Jason Garrett was let go earlier this year, and the Jones family hired former Green Bay Packers sideline boss Mike McCarthy. Once a new head coach is hired, they want to bring in their own players that they feel fit their scheme. Witten wasn’t surprised, he saw it coming.
During his 16 seasons with the Cowboys, Witten tallied 1,215 receptions for 12,977 yards and 72 touchdowns.
After testing the open waters, the Raiders gave Witten a one -year, $4 million contract offer, which was one he couldn’t refuse. Witten won’t be the team’s immediate starter like he was in Dallas, as he’ll be a rotational option behind Darren Waller, who broke out as a top target for quarterback Derek Carr last season.
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The writing was on the wall for Witten in Dallas, but he’s happy that the Raiders were so interested in his services. Hence why he’s wearing the signature black and silver for the 2020 season.