2025 Staff Tracker: It’s unlikely that Jason Witten will rejoin the Cowboys

2025 Staff Tracker: It’s Unlikely That Jason Witten Will Rejoin the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have always been a team with a rich history, and when you think of the most iconic players in franchise history, Jason Witten is certainly one of the first names to come to mind. As one of the greatest tight ends the NFL has ever seen, Witten spent an impressive 16 seasons with the Cowboys before retiring and transitioning into other endeavors. His leadership on and off the field left an indelible mark on the team, and many Cowboys fans have been hoping for a reunion at some point.

However, as the 2025 NFL season draws near, it seems increasingly unlikely that Jason Witten will rejoin the Cowboys. While many fans would love to see him return, both as a player and potentially in a coaching or leadership role, a variety of factors point to Witten’s time with Dallas being in the past. Let’s explore the key reasons why it’s unlikely that Jason Witten will rejoin the Cowboys for the 2025 season, while also considering what the future might hold for one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.

The Jason Witten Legacy

To understand why it’s unlikely that Witten will return, it’s important to first reflect on his legendary career and the lasting legacy he has left with the Cowboys. Witten was drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft, and from that moment on, he became a key figure in the organization. Over the course of his career, he played in 271 games for Dallas, setting numerous franchise records and establishing himself as one of the most consistent and durable players in Cowboys history.

Witten’s career accomplishments speak for themselves:

• 1,215 career receptions (the most in Cowboys history)
• 12,977 career receiving yards
• 72 career touchdowns
• 11-time Pro Bowl selection
• 2-time First-Team All-Pro
• Hall of Fame caliber career, with an eventual enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame expected

Witten’s presence on the field was not just about numbers. He was known for his remarkable durability, rarely missing games, and for his leadership qualities. Witten was the epitome of the professional athlete: hard-working, unselfish, and always focused on helping the team succeed. He was the go-to player for quarterbacks, always reliable in critical moments, and earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

When Witten retired following the 2017 season, it seemed like the end of an era. The Cowboys had relied on him for so many years, and with his departure, they were left to fill a void at the tight end position. However, Witten surprised many when he returned to the field in 2019 after spending a year as an analyst for Monday Night Football. Despite not playing at the same level as his earlier years, Witten’s return to the Cowboys was marked by his leadership and ability to mentor the younger players on the roster, including Dak Prescott and Blake Jarwin.

After one more season in 2020, Witten retired for good, this time leaving behind not only a great career but also a culture of leadership that would resonate with the Cowboys for years to come.

Witten’s Post-Retirement Career: Exploring Other Opportunities

Since stepping away from the football field, Witten has kept himself busy with various pursuits. The former tight end made a successful transition into the world of broadcasting, working as an analyst for ESPN’s Monday Night Football. He quickly developed a reputation for his insightful commentary and ability to break down plays, earning praise for his analysis of the game. His second career seemed to offer him an entirely new platform to engage with football fans and further solidify his place in the football world.

In addition to his broadcasting career, Witten also explored other ventures outside of the NFL. He became involved in charitable activities, leveraging his platform to support various causes, including youth initiatives and education. Given his long-standing reputation as a high-character player and person, Witten was also frequently in demand for public speaking engagements, where he would share his experiences and wisdom with a variety of audiences.

It was clear that Witten had found success in life after football, and his contributions to the NFL community continued in meaningful ways. However, as 2025 approaches, it’s become apparent that his days as a player are behind him. Despite being a beloved figure in Dallas, Witten’s return to the field seems highly unlikely.

The Cowboys’ Current Tight End Group: A Changing of the Guard

One of the main reasons why Witten is unlikely to rejoin the Cowboys is the current state of the team’s tight end position. Over the past few years, Dallas has seen significant changes at tight end, and the team is now moving forward with a new group of players who are shaping up to take the reins.

• Dalton Schultz: The Cowboys’ primary tight end in recent years, Dalton Schultz, has emerged as a reliable target for Dak Prescott. Schultz has developed into a solid player, capable of contributing as both a blocker and pass-catcher. While he has yet to reach the level of a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end, Schultz’s development has made him a key part of the Cowboys’ offense.
• Jake Ferguson: The Cowboys have also invested in the future by drafting Jake Ferguson from Wisconsin in 2022. Ferguson has the potential to become a big contributor in the passing game and already showed flashes of promise as a rookie. With his strong route-running ability and good hands, Ferguson has the tools to become a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense.
• Peyton Hendershot: Another young talent in the mix is Peyton Hendershot, who has impressed during his time with the Cowboys. Though he remains relatively unproven at the NFL level, Hendershot’s upside is exciting, and the team has shown faith in him as a potential future contributor.

Given the development of these young tight ends, the Cowboys are in a position where they have depth and potential at the position. This makes it increasingly unlikely that Witten would be brought back, as the team is looking to move forward and build for the future. The focus for the Cowboys now is on developing these younger players and giving them the opportunities to step up and make an impact.

Witten’s Potential Role: Could He Return as a Coach or Advisor?

Although it seems unlikely that Witten will rejoin the Cowboys as a player, there has been ongoing speculation about whether he could take on a different role within the organization. After all, Witten is widely regarded as one of the best leaders the Cowboys have ever had, and his knowledge of the game is invaluable.

There are a few potential avenues for Witten to contribute to the Cowboys in a non-playing capacity:

Coaching Role

One possibility is that Witten could return to Dallas in a coaching capacity. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly as a former tight end, he could potentially serve as a tight ends coach or even in a more senior coaching role. However, it’s important to note that Witten has expressed little interest in becoming a coach thus far, preferring to focus on his post-football career in broadcasting and other ventures.

Team Ambassador or Consultant

Another potential role for Witten could be as a team ambassador or a consultant. In this role, Witten would have the opportunity to stay connected with the Cowboys while also offering guidance to players and management. As someone who has a deep understanding of the organization and the NFL, Witten could serve as a valuable sounding board for both the coaches and the front office.

The Road Ahead for Jason Witten

Ultimately, it appears that Jason Witten’s time with the Dallas Cowboys, in terms of playing on the field, has come to a close. While his return to the Cowboys seems unlikely for the 2025 season, it’s important to remember that Witten’s legacy within the franchise is firmly cemented. His contributions as a player, leader, and mentor continue to reverberate through the organization, even after his retirement.

Whether or not Witten decides to rejoin the Cowboys in another capacity remains to be seen, but it’s clear that he will always be a part of the team’s history. For now, Cowboys fans will have to cherish the memories of Witten’s incredible career and focus on the next chapter for the team as they look to build a Super Bowl-contending squad for the future.

Witten may not be returning to the field in 2025, but his impact on the Dallas Cowboys will never be forgotten.