Dak Prescott has another target sticking around for years to come. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Dallas Cowboys have reached an extension with their young veteran tight end, Jake Ferguson.
The tight end is signed on for four more seasons, receiving a reported $52 million over that time. The Cowboys are betting on the future of Ferguson with a noteworthy extension.
In 2022, Ferguson entered the NFL after a four-year run at Wisconsin. During his NCAA days, Ferguson appeared in 47 games. He caught 145 passes for 1,618 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was consistent throughout his entire college career, posting over 400 yards in all but one of his seasons.
During the 2022 NFL Draft, the Cowboys selected Ferguson in the fourth round. He was the NFL‘s 129th pick that year. Although Ferguson wasn’t a full-time starter in his first season, he made appearances in 16 games. That year, he caught just 19 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
The 2023 season was a breakout year for Ferguson. With a starting job, the tight end was targeted a ton throughout the season. Ferguson would catch 71 passes, totaling 761 yards. He scored five touchdowns.
During his second season in the NFL, Fegurson earned Pro Bowl honors. It was a great sign of what was to come. However, the 2024 NFL season was widely regarded as a down year for Ferguson.
In 14 games, the tight end caught 59 passes. He produced just 494 yards, posting a career-low average of 8.4 yards per catch. Not only did Ferguson struggle with his yardage, but he didn’t reach the endzone once. He also fumbled four times throughout the year, losing possession twice.
Earlier in the offseason, Ferguson reminded the masses he was dealing with a knee injury that “hurt for sure.” He also had a concussion, which forced him to miss time. The veteran tight end didn’t want to use the setbacks as excuses, but he looks forward to starting healthy again, as he works on a comeback campaign.
“I’ve said this before, if I’m on the field, I should be able to give it my all,” Ferguson said back in June. “I don’t think I’ve ever played a full season and not scored a touchdown. That was something that I came into this offseason really working on. Just trying to really dial in on those things.”
The Cowboys’ front office still has a lot of work to do this summer, as they are receiving pressure to sign the star edge rusher Micah Parsons to a new deal. As Parsons continues to wait, the team bets on Ferguson’s long-term value with a notable contract.
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