Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten could only stand retirement for one season.

Witten returned to the Cowboys in 2019 after sitting out the 2018 season, but he faces more questions about his future with free agency looming this March.

However, the future Hall of Famer has expressed a desire to return to Dallas, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic:

Regardless of whether the Cowboys re-sign Witten, his mention of being “somewhere else” seems to indicate he would like to keep paying football.

Witten was hardly as prolific has he had been earlier in his career, but he still managed to catch 63 passes for 529 yards and four touchdowns, numbers very much on par with his 2017 campaign.

Even if the Cowboys do re-sign Witten, however, it might be on the premise of accepting a lesser role. Blake Jarwin has emerged as an explosive target for quarterback Dak Prescott, averaging over 11 yards per reception in each of the last two seasons.

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 ·

That being said, Witten is undoubtedly a legend in Dallas. He has spent his entire 17-year career with the Cowboys, racking up 1,215 receptions (fourth on the all-time list) for nearly 1,300 yards.

McCarthy put a pretty quick end to the notion Witten would transition to a coaching role with the Cowboys, but there is no telling yet whether he would like him to return as a player.

Meanwhile, ESPN's Chris Mortensen previously reported Witten might consider a reunion with Jason Garrett in New York if he does not return to Dallas.

All told, it seems Witten will strap the pads on for at least one more season.