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Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten plans to retire after 15 seasons and join ESPN as its lead analyst for the "Monday Night Football" telecast [url=http://www.broncoscheapshop.com/cheap-authentic-adam-gotsis-jersey]Adam Gotsis Jersey[/url] , the network reported Friday.

Witten met with owner and general manager Jerry Jones, who said no announcement was coming Friday. Jones said he had several conversations with Witten this week and indicated the franchise leader in games, catches and yards receiving hadn't made a final decision.

"He has some things to think about and discuss with his family from a professional perspective," Jones said before the introductory news conference for first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch.

"He also told me those things are going to require a few more days of consideration, at least through the weekend. He has not made any decisions that are definite at this time."

Jones said the Cowboys would have no other comment on Witten's future the rest of the weekend, which includes the last two days of the NFL draft on Friday and Saturday.

The news on the second day of the draft could affect Dallas' plans just a week after Witten suggested he might play until he was 40 and intended to return this coming season. Witten turns 36 early next month.

If Witten leaves Dallas, it's the second straight year that a Cowboys star is retiring to go into broadcasting. Former quarterback Tony Romo became the lead analyst for CBS last season.

Witten is also the franchise leader in consecutive games [url=http://www.coltscheapshop.com/cheap-authentic-quenton-nelson-jersey]Quenton Nelson Jersey[/url] , starts and consecutive starts. The 10-time Pro Bowler will finish tied with defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones, safety Bill Bates and late offensive lineman Mark Tuinei for most seasons in franchise history.

The decision by Witten also would mean the Cowboys have lost two of their top three players in career touchdown catches this month. The club released receiver Dez Bryant, the club leader with 73 TD grabs, in a cost-cutting move. Witten is third with 68, three behind Hall of Famer Bob Hayes.

A third-round pick out of Tennessee in 2003, Witten had 1,152 catches for 12 [url=http://www.lionscheapshop.com/cheap-authentic-theo-riddick-jersey]Theo Riddick Jersey[/url] ,448 yards. He and Tony Gonzalez are the only tight ends with at least 1,000 catches and 10,000 yards.

But stats and flash never really defined Witten, always praised by coach Jason Garrett as the best two-way tight end in the NFL because of his blocking ability.

Even though he was still active, the team paid tribute to him in its new practice facility with a huge picture of Witten running down the field against Philadelphia in 2007 without his helmet, which was knocked off on a hit as he stayed on his feet and kept going for almost 30 yards.

The decision by Witten would mean the lead analyst job at all three networks will be held by former players who spent their entire careers with the Cowboys. The other is Fox's Troy Aikman, who won three Super Bowls as quarterback in the 1990s.

Witten and Romo spent 14 seasons together [url=http://www.broncoscheapshop.com/cheap-authentic-derek-wolfe-jersey]Derek Wolfe Jersey[/url] , but never got the Cowboys to the NFC championship game. Dallas won two wild-card games with them, but lost both times in the divisional round.

The Pittsburgh Steelers value versatility in their defensive backs. Morgan Burnett should fit right in.

The two-time defending AFC North champions signed the free agent safety to a three-year deal on Tuesday, part of an overhaul in the secondary that began last week when the team cut ties with veterans Mike Mitchell, Robert Golden and William Gay.

The 29-year-old Burnett has played all eight seasons of his NFL career in Green Bay, collecting 683 tackles, 44 passes defensed, nine interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries. He started 102 games for the Packers and won a Super Bowl ring in 2011 [url=http://www.broncoscheapshop.com/cheap-authentic-domata-peko-jersey]Domata Peko Jersey[/url] , when Green Bay beat Pittsburgh.

"I'm coming in to do my job the best I can do, wherever I fit," Burnett said. "To be accountable as a teammate and earn the respect of the coaches and get into a routine with the rest of the fellas."

Burnett moved around late in his tenure with the Packers but spent the majority of the time in Green Bay at safety. It's a position where the Steelers have a serious need after deciding to part ways with Mitchell and Golden. Sean Davis has shown flashes during his two seasons and has one of the two starting spots. The other remains up in the air, though Burnett would figure to have the inside track over J.J. Wilcox.

"There's things in my toolbox I'm capable to move around and play different positions if need be," Burnett said. "But definitely I came into the league as safety and that's where I'm comfortable at."

Burnett's signing is the second by Pittsburgh during free agency. The Steelers signed inside linebacker Jon Bostic to a two-year deal over the weekend.

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