NFL Badgers continue to get historic deals and now Jake Ferguson is cashing in

T.J. Watt became the richest defensive player in NFL history with his historic contract earlier this month. Now, it's another former Badger's turn in Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, who becomes a top-10 paid tight end in the NFL with a huge extension worth $52 million in new money, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.

This puts Ferguson as the NFL's seventh-highest-paid tight end, but he broke history for the Cowboys, becoming the highest-paid tight end in Dallas' history. He is now making over $13 million a year, which doesn't quite catch George Kittle's $19.1 million, but it's in the ballpark.

Jake Ferguson lands $52 million extension with the Dallas Cowboys

Ferguson was drafted out of the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2021 NFL Draft. In his first season, he caught 19 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns. His sophomore campaign is what began turning heads, as he was an elite tight end. He hauled in 71 receptions for 761 yards and five touchdowns. He was one of the best pass-catchers in the league in 2023, especially at the tight end.

He had a bit of a dip in production last season as NFL defenses began to adjust to him, but he still had 59 receptions and 494 yards. He's a force, and the Dallas Cowboys wanted to ensure they locked him up with an important extension.

He was also an elite all-around tight end for the Badgers. He caught a pass in every game he played in throughout his college career. He ranks second all-time for pass-catching tight ends at Wisconsin. HIs 1,618 yards rank third for tight ends in Badger history.

Now, two different Badgers this offseason have shown that it pays to be a former Wisconsin player. T.J. Watt and now Jake Ferguson are great representatives for the University of Wisconsin.