Longtime starting OT Jared Veldheer retires

Jared Veldheer has decided to hang up his cleats. The veteran offensive tackle has chosen to retire after previously looking like he was about to sign with the Cowboys, a source told Todd Archer of ESPN.com.

Veldheer worked out for the team in Dallas last week, began their COVID-19 protocols and Archer writes that he was expected to sign. The Cowboys had a $2.5M contract prepared that was just awaiting Veldheer’s signature when he called it off, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News tweets.

Veldheer changing his mind isn’t exactly anything new, as he originally retired shortly after signing with the Patriots last year. He then asked to be released from the reserve/retired list last November and ended up getting claimed by the Packers. He announced in March that he intended to keep playing 2020 but didn’t draw much reported interest until this Cowboys meeting.

The Cowboys are dealing with injuries to Tyron Smith, La’el Collins and Cameron Erving, so they were looking for some veteran tackle help. A third-round pick of the Raiders back in 2010, Veldheer carved out a nice career for himself.

Assuming he’s done for good this time, the Michigan product will finish with 113 starts under his belt. Most recently he started 12 games for Denver at right tackle in 2018 and 13 for Arizona the year before.