Jake Ferguson - the "Big Biscuit'' - isn’t a mystery. He’s a known commodity. A one-time Pro Bowler, a Travis Kelce comp (straight from Kelce himself), and a tough, athletic tight end who thrives after the catch.
His Dallas Cowboys breakout sophomore campaign in 2023 — 71 catches, 761 yards, 5 touchdowns — positioned him for long-term consideration.
But his 2024 season fell short of expectations.
And now come questions about his new direction with a new head coach while he enters a contract year.
Let's start here: Context matters.
Ferguson played nearly half of last season without Dak Prescott, battled through head and knee injuries, and still held his own as a reliable underneath option and capable in-line blocker. His production took a step back — but not because the talent disappeared.
Statistically, Ferguson’s 2023 numbers mirrored those of Cole Kmet, who parlayed his performance into a four-year, $50 million extension with Chicago. Kmet: 73 receptions, 719 yards, 6 TDs. Ferguson: 71-761-5. Both posted starter-level numbers at a position where versatility matters more than stat lines.
But the market is evolving.
Along with the Niners' George Kittle, Trey McBride just helped reset the tight end money world, signing a four-year, $76 mil extension ($19 mil APY) after back-to-back elite seasons: 81-825-3 in 2023 and a monster 111-1,122-2 in 2024.
Ferguson’s ceiling doesn’t sit at McBride’s level ... but you don’t have to lead the league in receptions to get paid at tight end. You just have to produce, hold your own as a blocker, and help your quarterback win games.
And in 2025, Ferguson might be in the best position of his career.
With George Pickens stretching the boundary, and a revitalized run game demanding more defensive resources, Ferguson could thrive in wide-open seam lanes again. The Dak Prescott-led Cowboys’ offense looks more balanced, more layered, and more dangerous — which bodes well for a tight end trusted by the franchise quarterback. He won’t need to be McBride to get paid.
He just needs to be 2023 Jake Ferguson — with a little more help.