Return of Jason Witten: Cowboys coach Jason Garrett confident in TE

Jason Garrett has "no doubt" a close close, Jason Witten can still play at a high level in the NFL, said the Cowboys head coach Thursday at the NFL combo.

Witten surprised the football world by announcing Thursday that he was ending his retirement and would join the Cowboys in 2019 for his 16th season. The tight end of Dallas long ago belonged to Monday night footballKiosk in 2018 before experiencing a recent change of heart.

Asked about Witten 's return, Garrett confirmed that the subject of the conversation had been discussed for weeks before the official announcement.

"It was a great opportunity for ESPN to be the senior analyst of Monday night footballbut I think playing football always held his heart, "Garrett said. I think it felt like there was still meat on the bone, things that he wanted to accomplish. And I just think that he likes and wants to be in this environment. "

Witten will officially sign a one-year $ 3.5 million contract with the Cowboys, who have retained his rights when he was placed on the reserve / retired list of the NFL. He previously played 15 years for the Cowboys from 2003 to 2017 and was named 11-time Pro Bowler, the team's record by an offensive player. Witten's 239 career games are a Cowboys franchise record. He has played 16 complete matches for 15 consecutive years, missing only one match during his career.

Garrett said the main topic of discussion between Witten and Witten was the physical will of the tight party to play. Witten will be 37 in May.

"He knows his body more than anyone," Garrett said. "He knows the demands of the game more than anyone else to make an honest assessment of where he physically was.He has been able to do this in the last few weeks." He has no doubt that he can still play, and there is no doubt in my mind, he can still play.I am excited to receive him. "

The Cowboys finished the 2018 season 10-6 and won a wild game before falling to Rams in the NFC divisional round.