The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the 2026 season, and all eyes are on tight end Jake Ferguson. As the next player in our roster rundown series, Ferguson enters a pivotal year—not just for 2026, but for his long-term future with the team. How confident are you in this rising star?
Ferguson, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was originally brought in as a depth option. The Cowboys had Dalton Schultz on the franchise tag that year, but the front office was already thinking ahead. They saw potential in the Wisconsin product, and it didn't take long for Ferguson to prove his worth. As a rookie, he flashed play-making ability behind Schultz, showing a knack for gaining yards after the catch and bringing an infectious energy to the field. That attitude won over fans and the front office alike, leading the team to let Schultz walk in 2023 and hand the starting job to Ferguson.
That 2023 season was a breakout moment. Ferguson posted a career-high 761 receiving yards with an impressive 10.7 yards per catch, earning his first Pro Bowl nod as an injury replacement. He followed it up with another strong 2025 campaign, notching career bests in receptions (82) and touchdowns (8), and making the Pro Bowl again as an alternate. But there's a catch: his yards and efficiency dipped, partly due to injuries that have nagged him the last two years. While he's still a reliable target, his on-field production hasn't quite matched the excitement of that 2023 surge.
Still, there's plenty of reason for optimism. Ferguson turns 27 this year, and he's built solid chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott. With a dynamic wide receiver duo drawing attention, he'll have plenty of room to operate. If he can stay healthy, Ferguson has a real shot at not just returning to the Pro Bowl—this time as an original selection—but also adding an All-Pro honor to his resume. Even a modestly productive season could push him into the top five among the Cowboys' all-time tight ends, joining legends like Jason Witten, Jay Novacek, Doug Cosbie, and Billy Joe Dupre.
For a player who's already proven he can thrive under pressure, 2026 could be the year Ferguson cements his legacy. Whether you're stocking up on Cowboys gear or just tracking the roster, this is one tight end worth watching.