Dalton Schultz 2023 Outlook
Schultz passed on a long-term deal with the Cowboys to enter free agency and came away with a one-year deal that sets up him to be one of the primary outlets for first-year QB C.J. Stroud in Houston. Schultz had 17 touchdowns and 198 receptions in the past three seasons with the Cowboys as a trusted third-down and red-zone option for Dak Prescott. Schultz more than doubled the combined output of the remaining tight ends on the Texans’ roster in 2022. Don’t look to Schultz for big gains or explosive plays. He entered the NFL as a dominant blocker with a good catch radius but had only one reception – a 30-yard gain against the Bears – last season over 22 yards. Houston plans to establish a diverse offense that leans on the tight end to wear multiple hats as George Kittle did for the San Francisco 49ers, the source of multiple coaches on the new offensive staff of the Texans. Returning to peak production from his 2021 season – 78 receptions, 808 yards, eight TDs – is well within reach. Stroud is comfortable operating in an offense that implements a tight end route tree, and his WR corps lacks an established No. 1 receiver.
Dalton Schultz 2022 Outlook
The Cowboys ensured they'll have at least one top-flight tight end to open the 2022 season by applying their franchise tag to Schultz in March. The franchise tender for tight ends sits at $10.931 million for 2022, making it an easy decision for Dallas as it attempts to work out a long-term deal with Schultz. Sides have until July 15 to agree on a multiyear deal, or the TE will play 2022 on the one-year tender. The Cowboys' decision to franchise tag Schultz became almost a formality after news surfaced that fellow Cowboys tight end Blake Jarwin underwent hip surgery that is expected to sideline him for at least the start of the 2022 season and possibly longer. The Jarwin situation made it vital for Dallas to hang onto Schultz. The 25-year-old Schultz is coming off a breakout season, generating career-highs of 78 receptions, 808 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. The Cowboys have significant questions at wide receiver after they moved on from star receiver Amari Cooper. In addition, while they re-signed Michael Gallup, he is coming off a torn ACL that wasn't repaired until February. By tagging Schultz, the Cowboys ensure that Dak Prescott will have at least one reliable tight end target. How the rest of the pass-catching crew shakes out remains to be seen and could mean an even greater role for Schultz this season.
