The Dallas Cowboys signed tight end Jake Ferguson to a four-year, $52 million extension Sunday.

The deal includes a $12 million signing bonus. A fourth-round pick in 2022, Ferguson is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

“It’s money, but it also doesn’t change things,” Ferguson said. “I still have to prove everything. I still have to get out there between the lines and work my tail off, and the ultimate goal is winning as many games as possible.”

“That’s the first season I’ve ever not scored a touchdown in my whole life, so feeling that sting was definitely something,” Ferguson said.

Even with the decline in production, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Ferguson’s importance in the eyes of the organization never changed.

“Just really, really excited for him,” Schottenheimer said. “Last year, obviously, he didn’t feel he had the best year, but I think it always shows you we’re always evaluating everything, and (we value) things he’s done for us from a play temperament, the enforcer that he is. He loves football. He’s got that throwback-type mentality.”

This deal comes as two-time All-Pro defensive end Micah Parsons remains in negotiations for his own extension, entering the final season of his rookie deal. Parsons said recently he had not seen much progress in those talks.