Report: Cowboys have made 'no progress' on long term deal for Dalton Schultz

Dalton Schultz has been made a priority by the Dallas Cowboys by placing the franchise tag on the tight end. He emerged as a favorite target for quarterback Dak Prescott, having a career season from a numbers standpoint and possibly working his way toward a long-term contract.

While the plan might have been to get that deal wrapped up before Friday’s deadline, it’s beginning to seem unlikely. According to Micahel Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, there has been “no progress” between Schultz and Dallas as far as a contract goes. There has not even been communication between the two parties.

“There has been no progress in long-term contract discussions between the Cowboys and franchise-tagged TE Dalton Schultz,” Gehlken said. “The two sides have not spoken in weeks, source said. Deadlines can spur action, but as of now, no deal is imminent as Friday’s cutoff looms.”

3 p.m. CT is the exact cut-off time for the two to agree on a long-term solution. If they cannot, Schultz will play next year on a $10.93 million tag and if no deal is still agreed upon, Dallas can go through the same process next offseason. Schultz would play under a $13.12 tag next season. As Gehlken points out, those numbers are well under market value.

“These figures are below market value; Browns TE David Njoku‘s new deal pays $13.69M annually,” said Gehlken.

More on Dalton Schultz, contract situation

As the Dallas receiving core is going through an identity change, Schultz is only expected to see his role increase this season. He finished with 78 receptions on 104 targets a year ago, totaling 808 yards and eight touchdowns. Prescott loved using his tight end and would want to keep him around for the long term.

In the past, Mike McCarthy has said he is “not worried” about the contract situation surrounding Schultz. Even though he is on the franchise tag and without a contract, the head coach still thinks the tight end will put forth the effort to be a valuable member of Dallas’ 2022 squad.

Less than five days remain but for now, Dallas and Schultz seem to be content with waiting for another few months. There has seemingly been little effort as well, possibly showing the upcoming deadline will be nothing more than a formality. A top tight end in the NFL will once again be playing in a contract year, as Schultz will have to prove himself during the season.