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Ratliff, Witten deals in 2011 offer big contrast
October, 17, 2013
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- A day apart in September 2011, the Dallas Cowboys signed Jay Ratliff andJason Witten to five-year contract extensions.
Both players had two years remaining on their deals at the time, but the Cowboys wanted to reward the Pro Bowl performers with new contracts that they hoped would mean they would retire with the club. They also received some salary-cap relief in the early parts of the contracts even if it cost them upfront cash.
Ratliff’s extension was worth $40 million and included $18 million guaranteed. Witten’s deal was worth $37 million and included $19 million guaranteed.
On Wednesday, Ratliff was cut by the Cowboys amid acrimony stemming from a groin injury suffered last season and still bothering him today. Witten, meanwhile, was on the practice field getting ready for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The adage that has been repeated by many lately is you don’t pay age in the NFL. Well, sometimes you can and sometimes you can’t.
Ratliff had just turned 30 when he signed and entering his seventh season. Witten turned 29 a few months before signing but was entering his ninth season
The Cowboys did not get a return on Ratliff on the most recent extension. He played in only 22 games after signing on Sept. 9, 2011. He recorded only two sacks and seven tackles for loss.
And now he’s gone.
Witten, now 31, has not missed a game, playing through a lacerated spleen early last season, and has 220 catches for 2,321 yards and 11 touchdowns since the extension. Last year he set an NFL record for catches in a season by a tight end with 110 and played in his eighth Pro Bowl.
And still he plays on.
October, 17, 2013
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- A day apart in September 2011, the Dallas Cowboys signed Jay Ratliff andJason Witten to five-year contract extensions.
Both players had two years remaining on their deals at the time, but the Cowboys wanted to reward the Pro Bowl performers with new contracts that they hoped would mean they would retire with the club. They also received some salary-cap relief in the early parts of the contracts even if it cost them upfront cash.
Ratliff’s extension was worth $40 million and included $18 million guaranteed. Witten’s deal was worth $37 million and included $19 million guaranteed.
On Wednesday, Ratliff was cut by the Cowboys amid acrimony stemming from a groin injury suffered last season and still bothering him today. Witten, meanwhile, was on the practice field getting ready for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The adage that has been repeated by many lately is you don’t pay age in the NFL. Well, sometimes you can and sometimes you can’t.
Ratliff had just turned 30 when he signed and entering his seventh season. Witten turned 29 a few months before signing but was entering his ninth season
The Cowboys did not get a return on Ratliff on the most recent extension. He played in only 22 games after signing on Sept. 9, 2011. He recorded only two sacks and seven tackles for loss.
And now he’s gone.
Witten, now 31, has not missed a game, playing through a lacerated spleen early last season, and has 220 catches for 2,321 yards and 11 touchdowns since the extension. Last year he set an NFL record for catches in a season by a tight end with 110 and played in his eighth Pro Bowl.
And still he plays on.