Jason Witten has spent this offseason auditioning for jobs as an NFL TV analyst for ESPN and FOX, leading to some speculation about his future. However, the Dallas Cowboys tight end has reiterated that despite those auditions, he still intends to play for the Cowboys in 2018 – and possibly a few years more after that.

“There's been a lot of things [said] over the years, especially the last few months,” Witten said per Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. “I guess that's what happens when you get old. Maybe one day that will happen, but hopefully I can play until I'm 40 like some of these other guys. I'll take it one day at a time. My plan is to be here with the Cowboys. Absolutely.”

Witten agreed to restructure his contract last month, which was a sign that he was indeed planning to return for a 16th NFL season.

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Cowboys News
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) runs to score a touchdown on a pass reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Jacksonville won 20-10.
Cowboys’ George Pickens claims he ‘forced’ Steelers tradeMalik Brown ·
Dallas Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue next to LB Jack Sanborn and a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the Dallas Cowboys.
3 Dallas Cowboys hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowBen Strauss ·
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) reacts during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium.
Cowboys rumors: Mike Florio blasts Dallas for fumbling Micah Parsons situationJaren Kawada ·
Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) runs on to the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium.
Cowboys’ Juanyeh Thomas opens up about Mike McCarthy after ‘fun again’ postRichard Pereira ·
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) tries to break free from Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (13) during the first half Monday Night Football at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Cowboys get ‘optimistic’ update on defensive starLorenzo J Reyna ·
cowboys, Mazi Smith
1 Dallas Cowboys player with most to prove at OTAsGarrett Kerman ·

The 36-year-old did not exactly have a vintage season with the Cowboys in 2017 as he finished with 63 catches for 560 yards – his lowest total since his rookie year – and five touchdowns. However, he was still selected to his 11th Pro Bowl and remains an integral part of the Cowboys’ locker room as a veteran leader.

Despite signs of slipping due to his advanced age, the Cowboys likely won’t mind at least four more years of Witten if he remains a fairly productive player. But if he decides to call time on his playing career, there will likely be a new one waiting for him in the broadcast booth.