Struggling Jake Ferguson keeps dropping the ball for the Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, once a standout playmaker and fan favorite, is facing growing scrutiny over a troubling pattern of costly errors that could undermine his long-term value. After signing a lucrative four-year, $52 million extension in July 2023—locking him in through 2029—Ferguson has struggled with consistency this season, particularly in ball security and route-running execution.
His 9.5% drop rate through five games this year is alarmingly high for a player targeted on short-to-intermediate routes, culminating in a disastrous miscue against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. A pass thrown directly at his face not only went unsecured but deflected uncontrollably, sealing a potential game-changing drive.
Beyond drops, Ferguson’s fumbling has become a recurring issue, with eight turnovers over the past three seasons—leading all tight ends in that span—at a rate of once every 19.6 ball touches. Defensive coordinators have openly adjusted schemes to exploit his habit of carrying the ball away from his body, a flaw that cost the Cowboys a scoring drive earlier this season when a shovel pass was fumbled against the Ravens.
Even his blocking has eroded, with missed assignments and ineffective chip plays further diminishing his impact on the field.
