Dalton Schultz opens up on future plans after not agreeing to long-term deal with Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys and Dalton Schultz couldn’t come together on a long-term contract this offseason, meaning the former Stanford Cardinal tight end is playing the 2022 NFL season on an $11 million franchise tag.

Following the Cowboys’ opening day of training camp, Schultz discussed the situation and where he’s at mentally after not getting the deal he feels that he deserves.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed,” Schultz said about the failed attempt to restructure his contract. “As I move past that, I’m at peace knowing I put my best foot forward. I’ve had my emotions about the whole thing but I’m focused on camp, getting better. … This is where I want to be.”

Schultz entered the league in 2018 as a fourth-round selection by the Cowboys. While he had diminished roles during his first two seasons, Schultz burst onto the scene in 2020 before his 2021 campaign Schultz finished the season with 78 receptions on 104 targets, totaling 808 yards and eight touchdowns.

In the past two seasons, Schultz’s 1,423 receiving yards are the most on the Cowboys from the tight end spot. If a 200-yard increase in production last year from the year prior is any indication, Schultz can expect to near his first 1,000-yard receiving season in 2022.

Take into account the fact that Amari Cooper is now a Cleveland Brown, and Michael Gallup currently on the Cowboys’ PUP list as training camp begins following an ACL tear he suffered back in January, and the No. 2 receiving spot (behind CeeDee Lamb) is up for grabs – and Schultz’s for the taking.

As the Dallas receiving core is going through an identity change, Schultz is only expected to see his role increase this season, and quarterback Dak Prescott utilized Schultz’s talents as his No. 1 tight end and all signs point toward QB1 wanting to keep him around for the long term.

In the past, head coach 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 Schultz will be a pivotal member of the Cowboys’ efforts in 2022 despite not paying him the contract he expected.

Schultz and the Cowboys could go through same process next offseason as well. If the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement in the same way, Schultz would play under a $13.12 tag next season.