Cowboys' Blake Jarwin Says He's 'Excited for the Task' of Replacing Jason Witten

Heading into his fourth NFL season, Dallas Cowboys tight end Blake Jarwin is faced with the challenge of replacing franchise icon Jason Witten.

Speaking to Nick Eatman of Cowboys.com, Jarwin said: "I'm grateful that they believe in me to be the future of the tight end position. It's my job to never be content with that. To just say 'I got a great deal now and I can coast.' That's never been my approach, and that won't be approach in the future. Now I have to push myself even harder and prove that I deserve what they gave me."

Witten came out of retirement last season to sign a one-year deal with the Cowboys. The 11-time Pro Bowler had a solid 2019, ranking third on the team with 63 receptions and four touchdowns, but he opted to join the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent this offseason.

Witten is the Cowboys' all-time leader in receptions (1,215) and receiving yards (12,977). He ranks second in receiving touchdowns (72).

The Cowboys originally signed Jarwin as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State in 2017. He spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad before earning consistent playing time the following season.

Jarwin is coming into 2020 with a wealth of experience in Dallas' offensive system, as the 25-year-old appeared in all 32 games over the past two seasons. He set career highs in starts (seven), receptions (31) and receiving yards (365) in 2019.