Cowboys spending $16M on position they'll have to revamp in 2027

Predicting the future needs of the Dallas Cowboys has been a national pastime over the years. A year ago, Dallas’ upcoming needs at linebacker were about as predictable as they were serious, so it was no surprise they threw Dee Winters and Jaishawn Barham at the situation this offseason. A season before that, receiver led the needs list.

After striking out on Tetairtoa McMillan in the draft, the Cowboys responded by trading for George Pickens . Looking towards 2027 it appears tight end may be an unavoidable need the Cowboys must address. Since breaking out in 2023 it’s been two consecutive seasons of underachievement for TE1 Jake Ferguson .

2024 was a historically poor season for the Wisconsin product and 2025 was, at best, a lesson in how NOT to gain yards after the catch. With seven combined fumbles over the last two seasons, Ferguson has been anything but "safe" serving as Dak Prescott ’s safety value. Fergson’s cap number in 2026 ranks seventh highest on the team and per OTC his contract ranks eighth amongst fellow tight ends.

PFF graded Ferguson 50 overall, far below Brevyn Spann-Ford who graded a respectable 16 th . With a cap hit of over $9M again in 2027, the Cowboys could save money by cutting ties with the would-be 28-year-old. He headlines the Cowboys' $16.