The $52M Dallas Cowboys tight end recently sent a message about the team's offensive ceiling heading into the 2026 season. And the warning was simple: they're just getting started.

As the team returns with all 11 starters, tight end Jake Ferguson believes that will generate stronger production this year.

“Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson says Dallas has only 'barely scratched the surface' of who they can be on offense," per X post of Jon Machota of The Athletic. "He also said this is the best talent he’s seen in the Cowboys TE room."

The Cowboys’ offense ranked second in the NFL in total yards, averaging 391.9 yards per game and scoring 27.7 points per game, seventh in the league.

But it was their defense that pulled them back. Looking at the offseason moves, that is projected to change.

"Despite having the fourth-toughest strength of schedule this year, we predict the Cowboys end their two-year playoff drought and finish with a 11-6 regular-season record," Brian Martin of SB Nation reported May 16.

Apart from the offense, Ferguson is also quite satisfied with the current tight ends room. Presently led by him as the starter, followed by backup veteran Luke Schoonmaker. 

However, Brevyn Spann-Ford is expected to replace him in the TE2 spot. And that's mainly due to Schoonmaker's moderate production through the years.

Despite Ferguson’s fixed position as a starter, one analyst noted that he may soon be replaced if he doesn't improve his production. 

Jake Ferguson Among Cowboys Players Under Pressure 

Zac Lee, host of the Landry Hat, noted six players who are pressured to perform. And Jake Ferguson tops that list, as his production has been on a downward trend post his rookie season. 

“I want to start with a guy that just got paid last year after the Micah Parsons debacle, and that is Jake Ferguson,” Zac said. “Just got a big contract from the Cowboys – a 4-year $52 million contract. He’s under the most pressure because he hasn’t been good the past two years.” 

Ferguson signed a four-year, $50M contract with an average annual salary of $12.5M and $28.4M guaranteed, according to Spotrac.

Comparing him to the Chiefs' TE Travis Kelce, Zac believes Ferguson hasn't shown much promise since his early rookie production. 

Jake Ferguson began his rookie season backing up Dalton Schultz, recording 19 catches for 174 yards.

Last season, Ferguson had 81 catches for 600 yards and eight touchdowns. Compare that with Kelce, who had 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns.

Yes, Ferguson's production seems higher, but Kelce isn't in his prime. He's 36 and on the brink of retirement. And Ferguson has just started.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Dallas Cowboys Community.

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore