Dallas Cowboys ink former Wisconsin TE Jake Ferguson to lock up rookie picks

The Dallas Cowboys have signed rookie tight end Jake Ferguson to a four-year contract, according to The Athletic’s Jon Machota. Ferguson was the last player from the Cowboys’ nine-man draft class to remain unsigned, so his deal wraps up Dallas’ rookie negotiations.

The grandson of former Wisconsin coach and athletic director Barry Alvarez, Ferguson played for the Badgers from 2017-21. The Cowboys selected him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft back in April.

After being named a Mackey Award semifinalist and first team All-Big Ten in 2020, Ferguson returned for his fifth and final season in 2021. He remained one of the best tight ends in his conference, finishing with 46 catches for 450 yards and three touchdowns.

Details on the amount of money he is set to make from his rookie deal have yet to be released.

Jake Ferguson joins offensive tackle Tyler Smith, defensive end Sam Williams, receiver Jalen Tolbert, offensive tackle Matt Walletzko, cornerback Daron Bland, linebacker Damone Clark, defensive tackle John Ridgeway and linebacker Devin Harper to make up the Cowboys 2022 draft class.

The Cowboys franchise tagged tight end Dalton Schultz earlier this year, but he has been staying away from OTAs as he looks for a long-term deal. That gave Ferguson a chance at increased reps that he could use to find his way into the lineup as his rookie season gets underway.

Dak Prescott on Dalton Schultz missing Cowboys OTAs

The Dallas Cowboys are going through voluntary OTAs without star tight end Dalton Schultz. Although it’s a drawback for the offense to practice without him, starting quarterback Dak Prescott expressed his support for his teammate as he chases a larger deal.

“I went through this process. A lot of people go through this process. I’m confident in that situation,” Prescott said, via Jon Machota. “Me and Schultz talk all the time, so I knew what was happening, the team does. We’ll handle it.”

Last season, Dalton Schultz connected with Dak Prescott for a career-high 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. With Amari Cooper gone, Schultz’s role could be even bigger in 2022.

On3’s Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this report.