Report: Cowboys' Witten planning to retire, join MNF broadcast

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten is planning to retire in advance of the 2018 season after 15 years in the NFL, but he'll meet with owner/general manager Jerry Jones on Friday before making a final decision, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

He's expected to join ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcast as the lead analyst, but Mortensen adds Witten is seeking Jones' blessing before finalizing his decision.

The Cowboys were blindsided by Witten's retirement, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of the Star-Telegram, but were made aware of his potential decision prior to their first-round selection on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

They selected linebacker Leighton Vander Esch with the No. 19 pick.

Witten would be taking the ESPN analyst job originally turned down by Peyton Manning. Brett Favre and Greg Olsen were also reported to be in the running at various points.

The soon-to-be 36-year-old signed a four-year contract extension last March worth $26 million, according to Over The Cap.

Geoff Swaim is listed behind Witten on the Cowboys' unofficial depth chart heading into the second round of the NFL draft.

Witten has twice been named a first-team All-Pro and is an 11-time Pro Bowler.

Originally drafted 69th overall by the Cowboys in the 2003 draft, Witten has 1,152 receptions on 1,620 targets for 12,448 yards and 68 touchdowns in 239 career regular-season games.