Jake Ferguson took the league by surprise in 2023 when he made the Pro Bowl when he finished the season with 71 receptions for 761 yards and five touchdowns. Because of that performance, the Wisconsin Badgers alum was listed by Pro Football Focus as the no. 12 tight end heading into the 2024 season.
Wisconsin Badgers football alum Jake Ferguson
Nov 27, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Jake Ferguson (84) attempts to make a catch as Minnesota Gophers defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) defends him during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
PFF was wrong and now, they are not that bullish about his fourth year.
Ferguson is ranked 17th by the sports analytics website, no thanks to his 2024 performance which many point to his lack of confidence as the Cowboys’ No. 2 weapon.
The website wrote:
Ferguson looked like a tight end on the cusp of cracking the top 10 a year ago before the Cowboys’ struggles and injuries caused the decline in production and grading for the third-year Wisconsin Badger. While Ferguson should enjoy a bounce-back 2025 campaign, his 56.6 PFF receiving grade and four fumbles in 2024 are worrisome for his outlook.
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) cannot catch a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Injury is suspect, too, in Ferguson’s decline last year as he missed three of the 17 games.
Jake Ferguson’s future at stake in 2025
The year 2025 will be a make or break for the 2022 129th pick.
Inside the Star’s Mark Heaney said on early May that he could be the odd man out in the roster in case he fail to bounce back this 2025. The Cowboys are not known for splashing on their players and it would be impossible for him to strike a huge contract if his field value does not increase.
He had 59 catches for 494 yards in his third year, a far cry from his 90 catches for 930 yards in his sophomore year.
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Nov 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) breaks free from a tackle by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Matthew Judon (15) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Heaney said he can still get a 1-year, $10 million contract, which is the standard for average TEs. However, in case he finds his form again and record a season for the ages, a 4-year, $76 million deal is not farfetched.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!