Two elder statesman of the Dallas Cowboys will see their careers with the organization go in opposite directions soon. According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, Sean Lee is expected to return in 2020, while 16-year veteran Jason Witten is unlikely to re-sign with the team.
Lee is coming off of his 10th season with the franchise in which he achieved a very important milestone, playing in all 16 games for the first time in his career. He totaled 86 tackles, four pass breakups, an interception and his first solo sack since 2015. The highlight of his season came in back to back division games vs the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, in which he was tied for the team lead with seven and 12 tackles respectively.
Just a few weeks ago, he talked about his status for 2020. “I’m playing,” Lee told ESPN.
“Just love the game and feel like I can still help a team win,” Lee said. “It’s always great to be part of the NFL and play the game you love.”
Witten returned in 2019 from a one-year hiatus in the booth on Monday Night Football. He registered 63 receptions for 529 yards and four touchdowns, however, it was clear his better days are behind him and it’s time to give the reigns of the tight end position to Blake Jarwin who’s shown nothing but promise since when he’s been on the field.
The ole warrior understands where he’s at in his career, though, as he explained last week.
“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. Yeah, I think coaching is in the future, but I want to play while I can. We’ll see where that takes place. Of course, I want it 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.”
The 2020 season will be here before you know it. One long-timer will be back and the other will seek employment elsewhere. The harsh but true reality of life in the NFL.
