The retirement to Witten maybe a blessing in disguise

[Cowboyny]

If Jason Witten does retire as expected, he will leave as a future hall of fame Tight End. Very balanced, tough and as durable as you can possible get. However, his play has really declined over the last few seasons:

-Unable to get much of anything after the catch.
-Could no longer threaten the defense vertically.
-Was poor hot read against the blitz.
-A step too late as a blocker, which led to more penalties

Now it won't be easy replacing a hall of fame player, but they aren't replacing the same one who dominated the league several years ago. I'm am very interested to see how the likes of Gathers, Jarwin improve the passing game as well as the inline TE's we are bringing in via the draft.

 

[CowboysExchange]

If Jason Witten does retire as expected, he will leave as a future hall of fame Tight End. Very balanced, tough and as durable as you can possible get. However, his play has really declined over the last few seasons:

-Unable to get much of anything after the catch.
-Could no longer threaten the defense vertically.
-Was poor hot read against the blitz.
-A step too late as a blocker, which led to more penalties

Now it won't be easy replacing a hall of fame player, but they aren't replacing the same one who dominated the league several years ago. I'm am very interested to see how the likes of Gathers, Jarwin improve the passing game as well as the inline TE's we are bringing in via the draft.

I hope we rotate the position around with some slot receivers and Tes. Maybe put 2 guys in the backfield and throw some screens. Use gathers and Beasely in the red zone . Install a good hurry up offense that change the tempo. I still can't believe we didn't get Gesicki. I think he's a day 1 starting wr/te as a receiver. Soo much speed w height is gonna create some mismatches.

 

[panchucko]

I think Sergeant Shultz will be the closest thing to replacing Witten.
I just don’t see the RICO love even though I hope he proves me wrong

 

[Ranched]

However, his play has really declined over the last few seasons:

It's called, Aging. There isn't a human alive whose body won't decline.

 

[SoupcanSam]

Because of witten Dallas never gave other TE's a fair chance even towards the end of witten's career. Atleast thought witten should have been splittng snaps the last 2 years.

It's actually sad that this is what it had to take for the cowboys to get to this stage.

 

[cowboy_ron]

I will be sad to see him go because he gave his all to this organization and wore the Star well. He's a high character guy that even Tom Landy would have embraced.

Having said that, I'll be happy to see him embark on another career and stay around football as well. It will allow him more time with his family without injury risk. He is a classy guy that will succeed in whatever he does.

Thanks, Jason, for 15 years of memories in an era that overall produced more lows than highs........best wishes.