It’s been a wild 24 hours throughout free agency, but things just got interesting with the Dallas Cowboys trading two defensive linemen, which could trigger a trade involving tight end Jake Ferguson. The Cowboys have officially moved on from defensive linemen captains Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, who have been a part of the organization since the Mike Zimmer era. Unfortunately, despite the hiring of a new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, there was a risk that they weren’t going to be in their plans. While it might be because of the scheme, you’d have to wonder what type of team everyone should expect this upcoming 2026 regular season.
Jake Ferguson Could Be Trade Chip Following Latest Firesale
Even though they gave Odighizuwa a long-term deal last offseason, the Cowboys still moved on. This could mean that Dallas won’t hesitate to make changes on offense, but after hiring offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, there hasn’t been any of it. Ferguson looks like a safe bet for this offense, but since they got rid of Odighizuwa and Thomas, it goes to show that no one is particularly safe. While Adams hasn’t shown any glimpse of wanting to change anything drastically in the offense, you just never know, given the state of this team now.
Selected as a fourth-round pick, the former 2022 NFL Draft selection was entering his final rookie year before signing a massive four-year deal to stay with the Cowboys. Ferguson is coming off a decent 2025 campaign, hauling in 82 receptions for 600 receiving yards. Is this the definition of Jerry Jones’ busting the budget?
This is something to keep an eye on, especially this upcoming NFL Draft, which Ferguson’s $10.4 million cap hit is officially on the table.
Possible Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are keeping veteran tight end Travis Kelce for at least another year, but the team should consider building its options in this year’s draft. While it looked like Kelce was set to retire after the 2025 season, the veteran wants to run it back with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, especially after the team made room to sign running back Kenneth Walker this week. Unfortunately, the Chiefs lost Trent McDuffie, Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson, and nobody can compensate for that.
However, Ferguson is a decent body-built weapon for Mahomes, who could use him to continue establishing himself as an effective pocket-passer. Ferguson might be the right guy to take the torch from Kelce once he retires.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Meanwhile, the Steelers released Jonnu Smith this offseason, a tight end whom the team brought in via a trade to help Aaron Rodgers’ chances to make a deep push in the playoffs. After that failed, the team is now back to Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. While both of these are effective options, the thought of Ferguson giving the next quarterback after Rodgers might be a good idea. This gives Ferguson a fresh start and reunite with head coach Mike McCarthy.
New York Jets
Another solid destination is the New York Jets. The team is stacking on defense, but they haven’t done much to address the offensive pass-attack. While they have young tight end Mason Taylor, who is coming off a breakout year, the Jets should be in serious business if they can trade for Ferguson. Veteran Geno Smith is back in town and could use Ferguson in those situational scenarios and help guide this team to a possible playoff appearance.