Jason Garrett Reportedly Tried to Get Jason Witten out of Retirement

Jason Witten is staying in the broadcast booth despite an attempt from Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett to lure him out of retirement.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Garrett has contacted Witten multiple times this season in hopes he'd come back and help the Cowboys out at tight end. Dallas has struggled mightily in replacing the team's all-time receptions leader, especially since starter Geoff Swaim suffered a wrist injury last month.

The Cowboys have won four straight games and could take full control of the NFC East with a win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Witten is in his first season as the color man on ESPN's Monday Night Football telecasts. His performance has drawn mixed-at-best reviews thus far.

“It’s been 12 games,” Monday Night Football producer Jay Rothman told Mac Engel of the Star-Telegram. “We knew this would not be an overnight sensation, and I do believe he is getting better and better. We just ask for a little patience.”

Witten has drawn unfavorable comparisons to former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who retired to join CBS' broadcast booth in 2017 and instantly became a broadcasting star. 

Romo's favorite target retired following the 2017 season after posting 1,152 career receptions (fourth all-time) and making 11 Pro Bowls. Witten remained effective in his final season, posting 63 receptions for 560 yards and five touchdowns while earning Pro Bowl honors.

The Cowboys offense has greatly improved during their four-game winning streak thanks to an increased focus on the run and the acquisition of Amari Cooper.