Cowboys Sign TE Ferguson $52M Amid Contract Standoff with Parsons

The Dallas Cowboys have secured tight end Jake Ferguson with a four-year, $52 million contract extension, including $30 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid tight end in franchise history and the seventh highest-paid in the NFL. Despite a statistically down year marked by injuries and diminished production, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasized Ferguson's leadership, physical presence, and potential to return to peak form. Ferguson's extension serves as a potential blueprint for Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, whose similar career trajectory and stats have sparked speculation that the Ravens may offer a comparable deal as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. However, the timing of Ferguson's extension has drawn criticism due to the ongoing contract standoff with All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, who remains unsigned despite his dominant performance and multiple All-Pro selections. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones faced backlash for comments perceived as dismissive toward Parsons' availability, intensifying fan frustration and public relations challenges for the franchise. Meanwhile, the Cowboys continue to explore adding defensive line depth, including interest in recently released Raiders defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, as they seek to bolster a position with limited reliable backups.