Raiders news: Jason Witten signing a 'no-brainer' for Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Raiders know that their first year at Allegiant Stadium will an important one in their franchise's history, so they need...

The Las Vegas Raiders know that their first year at Allegiant Stadium will an important one in their franchise's history, so they need to perform at a really high level. However, some of the team's fans are wondering why they think signing Jason Witten to the team was a good idea.

Raiders fans who wondered about the selection definitely looked for answers. Las Vegas head coach Jon Gruden said that their acquisition of the 36-year-old tight end was a great acquisition for the team. The reasons he mentioned why he considers the Dallas Cowboys legend as a great pickup are not exactly related to his on-field performances with the Cowboys last season.

Ed Werder of ESPN got in touch with the head coach and asked him for his logic on hiring the veteran tight end:

#Raiders HC Jon Gruden told me that signing 16-year #Cowboys TE Jason Witten was “a no-brainer” because of the leadership, work ethic and toughness he brings to a young team. “There’s nothing he still can’t do,” Gruden said.

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) March 17, 2020

Experience is something Witten can definitely bring to the Raiders. He's had a successful 16-year stint with the Cowboys, notching 12,977 receiving yards and 72 touchdowns to his name. His inclusion to Dallas' Ring of Honor is all but ensured, but he's not likely an acquisition that will make an on-field impact for the team. However, you can be assured to get at least 500 receiving yards from him a season.

Gruden made it clear that Witten's addition to the team was more a matter of locker-room leadership than anything else. Before the first game of the 2019 season, the Raiders had the ninth-youngest team in the league, and there's no real figure in the locker room who can lead the Raiders forward. Witten will take on that role and help the team's younger talents develop the professionalism and work ethic that they expect out of an NFL player.

Thankfully, the contract only runs for a year. Raiders fans hope that he'll be a positive enough influence to lead the team to an improbable playoff run.