DMN Blog: When do the Cowboys look at a new deal for Jason Witten?
by Todd Archer
Kellen Winslow signed a six-year deal worth $36 million with Tampa Bay on Monday that included $20 million in guarantees.
Jason Witten signed a six-year deal worth $29 million with the Cowboys in 2006 that included a $12 million signing bonus.
He is signed through 2012 but it might be time for the Cowboys to look at re-doing Witten's deal now. I understand DeMarcus Ware is the top priority this off-season but Witten should be at the top of the "next" list.
He will earn a $2.5 million base salary this season followed by bases of $2.641 million, $3.391 million and $3.641 million. He is also due roster bonuses of $500,000 in 2010 and '11 and $1 million in 2012.
Witten has played in five straight Pro Bowls. No tight end has more 100-yard receiving games than his eight in franchise history. His 422 catches are the most by a tight end in team history and with another 80-catch or so season in '09 he will trail only Michael Irvin on the team's reception list.
Since 2006, only Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez has more catches and yards among tight ends. Gonzalez has 268 catches for 3,130 yards. Witten has 241 receptions for 2,851 yards. And Winslow has 214 catches for 2,612 yards and missed six games last year in Cleveland.
Another factor in a deal for Witten - he only turns 27 in May. Teams don't want to pay age and by the time Witten would reach the end of another contract he would be in his mid 30s. He's proven to be durable and willing to play in pain.
And remember this too - Jerry Jones has said in the past that Witten is among his top five favorite players.
Kellen Winslow signed a six-year deal worth $36 million with Tampa Bay on Monday that included $20 million in guarantees.
Jason Witten signed a six-year deal worth $29 million with the Cowboys in 2006 that included a $12 million signing bonus.
He is signed through 2012 but it might be time for the Cowboys to look at re-doing Witten's deal now. I understand DeMarcus Ware is the top priority this off-season but Witten should be at the top of the "next" list.
He will earn a $2.5 million base salary this season followed by bases of $2.641 million, $3.391 million and $3.641 million. He is also due roster bonuses of $500,000 in 2010 and '11 and $1 million in 2012.
Witten has played in five straight Pro Bowls. No tight end has more 100-yard receiving games than his eight in franchise history. His 422 catches are the most by a tight end in team history and with another 80-catch or so season in '09 he will trail only Michael Irvin on the team's reception list.
Since 2006, only Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez has more catches and yards among tight ends. Gonzalez has 268 catches for 3,130 yards. Witten has 241 receptions for 2,851 yards. And Winslow has 214 catches for 2,612 yards and missed six games last year in Cleveland.
Another factor in a deal for Witten - he only turns 27 in May. Teams don't want to pay age and by the time Witten would reach the end of another contract he would be in his mid 30s. He's proven to be durable and willing to play in pain.
And remember this too - Jerry Jones has said in the past that Witten is among his top five favorite players.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:18 PM
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