On Sunday, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made headlines by signing tight end Jake Ferguson to a four-year, $52 million contract, marking the largest tight end deal in Cowboys history. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers secured offensive lineman Rashawn Slater with a record-breaking $114 million contract over the same period, setting a new benchmark for offensive linemen in terms of annual average value.
This Rashawn Slater record-breaking contract drew considerable attention, especially among Cowboys fans, given the contrast in contract sizes between Slater and some of Dallas’ own rising stars. Clarence Hill Jr., a sports insider from DLLS Sports, voiced surprise on social media about the development, highlighting that edge rusher Micah Parsons—drafted just one pick before Slater in 2021 and a consistent double-digit sack producer—has not yet received a similar extension.
Fan Reactions and Micah Parsons’ Ongoing Contract Situation
Fans at Cowboys practice on Saturday showed their support for Parsons by chanting “Pay Micah!” This vocal display prompted Jones to comment on the situation, comparing it to a louder campaign for star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb last year. Jones downplayed the chant’s intensity, describing it as milder than the previous year’s chants for Lamb.
“That was a faint little sound compared to the way they were hollering last year, ‘Pay Lamb.’ … Whoever’s not in, you can count on a few hollering that. But it was a big loud chant last year on Lamb.”
Jones also assured fans that a new contract for Parsons is planned, placing importance on Parsons’ willingness to agree:
“It doesn’t change anything. We want to pay Micah, too. He’s got to want to be paid, too.”
Besides Parsons, other notable Cowboys players heading toward free agency after the 2025 season include wide receiver George Pickens, cornerback DaRon Bland, and kicker Brandon Aubrey. Guard Tyler Smith is also nearing the end of his rookie contract, set to qualify for free agency soon after reaching the five-year mark.
Insights on Jake Ferguson’s Contract and Role with the Cowboys
Jerry Jones shared his perspective on why Ferguson earned such a significant contract, emphasizing both his playing ability and leadership within the team. Jones noted Ferguson’s positive influence on team morale and his competitive spirit.
“We certainly have appreciated what he’s been in his career with us, not only as the player we want out there but he’s also a leader competitively. What he does he really does juice it up for everybody. And that’s a consensus of all his teammates and coaches. So we’re glad to have him. He’s got a home here for his career.”
Ferguson expressed his satisfaction with staying in Dallas, highlighting the pride he feels wearing the Cowboys’ uniform and his desire to remain with the team long-term.
“People say, ‘Oh, there’s other spots you could go. I remember sitting down, [thinking], ‘I don’t want to be anywhere else.’ Playing here is awesome. From the start, it’s been a privilege to wear this star.”
Looking Ahead to the Cowboys’ Season Opener
The Cowboys will begin their 2024 regular season on September 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The matchup is scheduled for an 8:20 PM ET kickoff and will be broadcast on NBC. With key players like Jake Ferguson secured and ongoing negotiations for stars such as Micah Parsons, the Cowboys aim to build momentum as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.