The Las Vegas Raiders have been one of the more active teams in free agency since the NFL legal tampering period began Monday, filling holes on both offense and defense.
The team has specifically addressed its linebackers corps, signing both Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski to three-year contracts.
On the offensive side of things, the Raiders have brought in former Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. A longtime favorite of general manager Mike Mayock, he is expected to compete with Derek Carr for starting duties at quarterback next season.
As the Raiders continue tweaking their roster, the team has once again made headlines by reportedly signing longtime Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten to a one-year contract, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Former Cowboys’ TE Jason Witten reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, source tells ESPN.
A veritable MNF booth in Vegas.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
Witten, who is entering his 17th season, can earn up to $4.75 million with the Raiders:
Jason Witten can make up to $4.75 million in 2020, per @toddarcher. https://t.co/hvkdzTizGT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network later confirmed the exact details on the contract:
The #Raiders are giving veteran TE Jason Witten a one-year, $4 million deal that includes $3.5M fully guaranteed. Max $4.75M with playtime incentive.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 22, 2020
While tight end wasn’t exactly a weakness for the Raiders last season, Witten gives the team another veteran presence in the locker room. He joins a crowded position that already includes 2019 standout Darren Waller and Foster Moreau.
Witten is coming off a solid season for the Cowboys in what represented his first NFL action since 2017. He was a safety blanket for Dak Prescott, catching 63 of his 83 targets for 529 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games.
Selected by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Witten has appeared in 255 games over the course of his career.
Witten holds many Cowboys franchise records, including games played, receptions (1,215) and receiving yards (12,977). He had coaching opportunities this offseason but ultimately decided to extend his career by another year.
