Breaking down the Dallas Cowboys 2019 tight end depth chart

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Jason Witten (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Jason Witten (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 10: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a 20 yard pass to score a touchdown against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

The returning veteran: Jason Witten

Jason Witten is one of the greatest players in Dallas Cowboys history. There’s no arguing that. There can be a debate about what he brings to the table in 2019 though.

After spending a season in the broadcast booth, Witten is back with a star on his helmet and ready to contribute. It’s just hard to predict how much he has to offer at this point. When last we saw Witten, he wasn’t near the player we remember from the early days.

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He had just 560 yards on 63 receptions which was good for less than nine yards per catch. As for yards after the catch, that was all but non-existent. Already a step slower in 2017, Witten now has a year away from the game which is concerning considering he’s No. 1 on the depth chart again.

While all that is true, there are early reports that he looks refreshed and ready to go. That’s all fine and dandy in May and June, but how is he going to look when the pads come on and defenders are in full speed? Not only that but can he take a back seat to the new young stars on this offense?

It’s no secret that when Witten was here in the past he was willing to voice his opinion in the huddle. That wasn’t an issue when Dak Prescott was a rookie, but this is his offense now so the veteran will need to learn to take a back seat and let the young guys do their thing. Whatever ends up happening, it could be an interesting season for No. 82.