Cowboys Making Moves—But Is It What Fans Think?

Big contract news has emerged out of Dallas this week, though it may not be the headline Cowboys fans have been eagerly anticipating. Over the past few weeks, discussions surrounding Micah Parsons and his potential contract extension have dominated the conversation, with excitement building to a fever pitch as supporters hoped for a swift resolution. While a new deal did, in fact, come to fruition, it was not Micah Parsons who inked the agreement. Instead, tight end Jake Ferguson secured a significant four-year contract with the Cowboys, valued at an impressive $52 million—averaging a solid $13 million per year. Ferguson, who was poised to enter the final year of his rookie contract with a salary of $3.4 million, can now look forward to financial security through the 2029 season.

Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ferguson has steadily established himself as a reliable target in the Cowboys’ offense. Over 47 games, he has compiled 149 receptions for 1,429 yards and seven touchdowns. His breakout year came in the 2023 season, when he tallied 71 catches for 761 yards and five touchdowns. His performance was strong enough to earn him an invitation to the Pro Bowl, stepping in as a replacement for San Francisco’s George Kittle—a notable achievement highlighting his rising stature. Notably, Ferguson and legendary Cowboys tight end Jason Witten share a unique distinction as the only tight ends in franchise history to record seasons with 50 or more receptions in each of their first three years.

This past season was not without its troubles, as Ferguson struggled to find the end zone, recording zero touchdowns. His production was hindered early in the year due to a sprained MCL sustained during the Cowboys’ season-opening victory against the Cleveland Browns. This injury limited his participation throughout the first half of the year. In the latter stages of the season, Ferguson also missed two games after suffering a concussion, further impacting his ability to contribute consistently.

Despite these setbacks, the Cowboys clearly view Ferguson as a vital piece of their offensive puzzle moving forward. This new contract not only rewards his past contributions but also underscores the organization’s belief in his potential to continue growing into a premier tight end in the league.