Brian Schottenheimer calls Jake Ferguson 'great leader' as Cowboys star gets new deal

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer gushes over tight end Jake Ferguson, who inked a massive contract extension with the franchise.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson runs after catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers. | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys have given one of their stars a brand new contract. If you're thinking it was Micah Parsons, then I have some bad news.

Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has agreed to a four-year extension worth $52 million, making him the highest-paid tight end in franchise history.

The team continues to believe in Ferguson, who spent some time nursing an injury last season, like every other member of the team.

MORE: Jake Ferguson's fiancée Haley Cavinder gushes over Cowboys extension

But no one's faith has wavered on the tight end, including new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer watches quarterback Dak Prescott at training camp. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Schottenheimer praised Ferguson's leadership and offseason preparation for the upcoming season.

“He’s a great leader. He’s lighter (this season)," Schottenheimer said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. "He’s moving around really, really well.

"I think last year you look at the first game against Cleveland and he gets his knee pretty banged up. And then he’s got a concussion mid-season at some point. That’s so uncharacteristic of (Ferguson)."

MORE: Cowboys stars who still need contract extensions after Jake Ferguson deal

If there was any worry about how the new staff felt about Ferguson, I think this new deal and praise from his new head coach are enough to be very optimistic about his future.

For a brief moment, the Cowboys and Parsons' contract dispute was not a headline. But it's back to business.

Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells and tight end Jake Ferguson. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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