FRISCO, Texas – As the Cowboys prepare for Day 2 of the NFL Draft, there could be a rather huge void to fill now at the tight end position.
Reports have surfaced that 11-time Pro Bowler Jason Witten is planning to retire, pending another meeting with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
However, Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas Friday morning that Witten's retirement is "news to me," although he did acknowledge the future Hall of Fame tight end has a meeting scheduled with Jerry Jones on Friday.
"I'm not aware at this point," Stephen Jones said. "I think Jerry is preparing to meet with Jason. I certainly don't know anything of finality at this time."
Witten was looking to become the only player in franchise history to play 16 seasons, currently tied with Bill Bates, Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Mark Tuinei for most years of service with the team at 15 seasons.
He does have the Cowboys record for most games played at 239 and most consecutive games played at 235.
If the Cowboys don't have Witten's services, they most certainly will need to address the position in the draft. Currently, they have just Blake Jarwin, Geoff Swaim and Rico Gathers on the roster, after James Hanna decided to retire last week.
