NFL Free Agency rumors: Cowboys won't exercise franchise tag on Dalton Schultz
The Dallas Cowboys will have a lot to think about this offseason, given the plethora of superstars that are set for new contracts. By the looks of it, tight end Dalton Schultz won't be one of them.
According to NFL insider Matt Verderame, the Cowboys will not be exercising the franchise tag option on Schultz in the upcoming window. The Cowboys kept the tight end on their roster by using the franchise tag on him in 2022.
However, applying it for a second consecutive year would see them incur a 120% salary increase. And by the looks of it, the Cowboys aren't willing to cough up that much money for Schultz.
The #Cowboys aren't expected to tag TE Dalton Schultz, according to @MattVerderame
Schultz received the tag last year, paying him $10.9 million.
He should be one of the top free-agents on the market. https://t.co/MV2jBO6J1r
The franchise already has some tough calls to make about running backs Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard. Racking up 10 touchdowns over the course of the 2022 NFL season, Schultz will be a top prospect for teams looking to add some much-needed firepower to their arsenal.
Dalton Schultz is likely to be heavily sought after in NFL free agency market
Dalton Schultz became a breakout star for the Dallas Cowboys, exceeding expectations and making a name for himself in the NFL. The 25-year-old tight end has been a key player for the Cowboys, helping the team secure victories and reach the playoffs during the 2021 and 2022 NFL seasons.
Schultz, a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has had to fight for his place in the Cowboys' lineup. He was behind veteran tight end Jason Witten for the first two years of his career, but he has stepped up in a big way since Witten's retirement in 2020.
Are we sure this isnβt Travis Kelce in a Cowboys jersey? https://t.co/Slj13vNx0o
Looking ahead, the tight end's future in the NFL looks bright. Now likely to sign with a new team in 2023, the tight end will look to be rewarded handsomely for his services.
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Playoff contenders such as the Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns are all in need of a TE and the Cowboys star just might be the perfect fit for them.
The tight end will likely demand a $13 million per year contract from whichever team he signs with in the offseason. And teams looking for that added push on offense wouldn't be unwilling to cough up the price for an elite TE of his standard.
Nonetheless, it'll be interesting to see how he lives up to expectations outside Dallas.