OXNARD, Calif. – As Dallas Cowboys fans chanted for a contract extension for Micah Parsons during a weekend practice, the organization finalized a new deal for a different key player, signing tight end Jake Ferguson to a four-year extension worth up to $52 million.
The agreement, reached Saturday night, includes $30 million in guaranteed money and a $12 million signing bonus for the Pro Bowl tight end.
“I don’t want to be anywhere else,” Ferguson said. “Playing here is awesome. From the start, it’s been a privilege to wear this star.”
A fourth-round pick in 2022, Ferguson has emerged as a crucial part of the Cowboys’ offense. His best statistical year came in 2023, when he recorded 71 catches for 761 yards and five touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl nod. Last season, despite being limited by a sprained MCL and a concussion, he still managed 59 receptions for 494 yards. He and Jason Witten are the only tight ends in franchise history to log at least two 50-catch seasons within their first three years.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones lauded Ferguson’s contributions, noting his value extends beyond the stat sheet. “He’s not only the player we want out there, but he’s also a leader competitively,” Jones said. “What he does really does juice it up for everybody.”
While Ferguson’s future is secure, the status of All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons remains the primary focus for the fan base. Jones acknowledged hearing the chants of “Pay Micah!” from the crowd but downplayed their intensity compared to the public pressure last year to sign receiver CeeDee Lamb, who eventually received a $136 million deal.
When asked for an update on negotiations with Parsons, Jones declined to comment. Executive vice president Stephen Jones also kept discussions private, but he confirmed he heard the fans’ calls.
“It doesn’t change anything,” Stephen Jones said. “We want to pay Micah, too. He’s got to want to be paid, too.”
Ferguson’s extension could be the first of several for Dallas. The team faces future negotiations with other core players, including left guard Tyler Smith, cornerback DaRon Bland, and Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey, who will be a restricted free agent after the season.
Stephen Jones suggested that more deals could follow, noting that contract talks are complex. “They can come in bunches,” he said. “You just got to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s. Everybody’s got to get comfortable, and you go from there.”
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