Veteran Tight End Jason Witten: A Leader the Raiders Needed
In the past, we've reviewed every opponent for the Raiders this season and profiled every coach.
As we inch closer to Week 1, we will profile every player on the Raiders roster.
My colleague Jairo Alvarado already profiled quarterback Derek Carr, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, wide receiver Tyrell Williams, tight end Darren Waller and running back Josh Jacobs.
Today I’m picking up the series with tight end Jason Witten.
No Longer a Cowboy
After coming out of retirement last season, tight end Jason Witten returned to the only team he knows in the league: the Dallas Cowboys.
Witten booked 63 catches for 529 yards, 8.4 yards per reception and scored four touchdowns. For a 38-year-old, that’s not bad at all.
However, the Cowboys decided not to re-sign him after his one-year contract expired.
Although Witten had the option to hang up his cleats for the second time in his career and perhaps head back to the TV booth, he decided to give the league another go.
That’s when Witten found the Raiders.
Raiders General Manager Mike Mayock signed Witten to a one-year, $4 million contract.
Apparently, for Mayock and company, the signing was a no-brainer.
“If there’s a Mount Rushmore of NFL tight ends, he’s on it,” Mayock said via NBC Sports. “He brings this wealth of knowledge about how to be a professional. We plug him in our locker room and we have one more veteran that can look around the room and tell people what to do and what not to do.”
It will certainly bring leadership to the tight ends.
The Raiders have a tight end, Darren Waller, playing opposite of Witten. Waller, who's had trouble with drug addiction and suspensions by the league in the past, has gotten his life on the right note after admitting himself to a rehabilitation center.
Last season, Waller was the No. 1 target for quarterback Derek Carr, catching 90 passes for 1,145 yards. He averaged 12.7 yards per reception and had three touchdowns.
Now, Waller needs to maintain consistency. That’s where Witten’s veteran leadership comes in.
Considering the fact that the rest of the tight end squad is made up of an inconsistent Derek Carrier and second-year man Foster Moreau, who showed promise before tearing an ACL late last season, Witten has the leadership the Raiders desperately need.
Tell us what you think in the comment section below.
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