See Nothing, Hear Nothing? Why's Cowboys' Dalton Schultz in Free Agency Freeze?
The Dallas Cowboys opted to allow tight end Dalton Schultz to explore free agency, with rookies Peyton Hendershot and Jake Ferguson cheaper alternatives than the veteran tight end.
The thought was that Dak Prescott's favorite target would be snapped up rather quickly once free agency opened.
But...
Here we sit, over a week into the NFL's free agency period, and thus far, only reported "interest" from the L.A. Chargers has all that has been circulating regarding Schultz's future.
Why?
Other tight ends in Mike Gesicki (one-year, $9 million deal to the New England Patriots), Hayden Hurst (three-year, $21 million deal to the Carolina Panthers), and Josh Oliver (three-year, $21 million deal to the Minnesota Vikings) all have secured new contracts.
But what about Schultz? For some, he is seen as a better option than those above. However, nothing more than interest has been forthcoming the tight ends way.
Could the tight-end market have "priced Schultz out" of a top-tier contract that could pay him around $14 million APY? And is he "dug in" on getting that type of contract?
Seeing as no tight end deal has surpassed $9 million APY, the league doesn't view the tight end position as Schultz thinks it does. That monster, long-term deal doesn't exist this offseason ... at least not yet.
Since 2020, Schultz is seventh in the NFL for receiving yards (2,000), fourth in receptions (198), and fifth in touchdowns (17). The other tight ends above or around Schultz during that time are the likes of Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Mark Andrews, and Darren Waller.
That is some company. Yet no deal has been forthcoming.
With other tight ends being snapped up on what looks to be team-friendly contracts, will Schultz have to lower his expectations to get a new contract?
The current tight-end market suggests so.
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