After 16 seasons in Dallas, Jason Witten might be wearing a different uniform this year.
“I think I have to be [open to playing for another team],” Witten told ESPN.com. “Obviously, I’d love to finish [my career] out here, but some of those things are not in your control.”
The 37-year-old tight end retired in 2018 to join the “Monday Night Football” broadcast booth. After one season with ESPN, Witten came out of retirement and inked a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Cowboys in 2019.
“I still feel like I have something to give,” Witten said. “I’ve obviously been on the other side of that in the decision to retire.”
Witten caught 63 of 83 targets for 529 yards and four touchdowns last season. He is set to become a free agent on March 18.
The future Hall of Famer has mentioned coaching in his future, but it was rumored in the near term that Witten could consider joining the Giants after his longtime head coach Jason Garrett was hired as offensive coordinator under new coach Joe Judge.
“Yeah, I think coaching is in the future, but I want to play while I can. We’ll see where that takes place,” Witten said.
The 11-time Pro Bowler would be a complementary piece and veteran presence for the Giants. The Giants’ tight end depth chart is led by oft-injured 25-year-old Evan Engram, who is recovering from a Lisfranc injury. Kaden Smith, Rhett Ellison and Scott Simonson also saw time for the Giants at tight end in 2019.
The Cowboys hired former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy during the offseason after parting ways with Garrett. Witten met with McCarthy, as well as owner Jerry Jones and vice president Stephen Jones, this offseason. He called the meeting “great,” but said his future role was not discussed.
“Of course I want [my future] to be with the Dallas Cowboys, and I’ll always be a Dallas Cowboy, but I also understand that with all the changes, that I might have to go somewhere else,” Witten said.