My thoughts on Jason Witten signing and Raiders’ tight end spot

I didn’t get a chance to react to the Raiders agreement with tight end Jason Witten yet. Kenneth Arthur handled that one today.

I wanted to express some thoughts on it:

Witten must think the Raiders can win now: He is about to turn 38 and he has played his entire career as a Dallas Cowboys and he is going to be considered a lifetime Cowboy. For him to go to another team at this point, he must feel good about the Raiders’ chances.

Don’t expect miracles: Witten had 63 catches for 529 yards (8.4 yards per catch) last year as he came out of retirement after spending a year in the booth as Jon Gruden’s replacement on ‘Monday Night Football.’ It was a better season than expected. But don’t expect a huge season from Witten. If the Raiders can get some key blocking, red-zone catches and leadership, that will be enough.

Having him around can’t hurt: He is a leader and he could have a good influence younger tight ends Darren Waller and Foster Moreau. The seconf-year player is certainly fired up to play with the legend.

He might have to fight for a roster spot: Will the Raiders keep four tight ends? If not, he and veteran Derek Carrier may fight for a job.

Conclusion: It’s my least favorite of the signings, but it can’t hurt, right?