Jason Witten: Cowboys Set Good Example with Star TE's Contract Extension

The Dallas Cowboys will take the field in East Rutherford, New Jersey tonight knowing they took care of Jason Witten the way he's taken care of them for the last eight years.

According to ESPN, the 29-year old tight end was awarded a new five-year contract today:

"

A source familiar with the deal told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter the deal is worth $37 million and includes $19 million guaranteed.

"

The deal comes on the heels of the Cowboys extending defensive lineman Jay Ratliff and, like his deal, the Cowboys made the move with the player still under contract for the next two years.

It was a good show of loyalty by an organization that values exactly that.

Witten, who is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, is one of the best at his position in the league.

He caught 94 passes last season without quarterback Tony Romo on the field and it was the third time in his career he eclipsed 90 catches.

The Cowboys know what they have in Witten and were smart to make this deal now.

He wasn't going to hit the open market until 2013, but it sets a great example of how things are done when a player produces for the Dallas Cowboys.

The team, barring injury, will not have to worry about bringing on another franchise caliber tight end for at least three to four years.

Witten will be a huge part of this offense again this season and may even have better numbers than a year ago if Romo can hold it all together.

The veteran tight end is arguably the most valuable player the Cowboys have and this deal shows exactly that.