Dalton Schultz, NFL franchise tag players fail to agree long-term deals

NFL teams and franchised tagged players had a decision to make on Friday afternoon. Figuring out a long-term contract extension was one option while playing for one season on the tag before attempting to work something out next offseason was the other. The former is no longer available, as the deadline for franchise tagged players to get a new deal was Friday at 4 p.m. ET.

Some big names were not able to come to agreements with their teams but Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz might be the biggest. He will play without a long-term contract this season, making just under $11 million for his services. Three others joined Schultz, meaning some star players will have another round of contract negotiations this time next year.

“And now, the 4 p.m. deadline for franchise players to sign contract extensions this year has come and gone without any new deals, officially,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said via Twitter. “Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki, Orlando Brown and Jessie Bates III are now set to play this season on their one-year franchise deals.”

Reports from earlier in the week regarding Schultz was that there was “no progress” made between the two sides when it came to a contract. Despite being a top weapon in the offense last season and only seeing his role grow in 2022, the tight end was not even communicating with the Cowboys down the stretch of the window.

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Dallas decided to revamp their wide receiver room, meaning somebody else is going to have to step up from a production standpoint. No longer is Amari Cooper there for quarterback Dak Prescott, as CeeDee Lamb takes over the role of No. 1 wide receiver.

Schultz is expected to have a better upcoming season than the one a year ago, especially if the Cowboys have aspirations of making a deep playoff run. He finished with 78 receptions on 104 targets, totaling 808 yards and eight touchdowns.

On a positive note, the contract dispute has not been an issue for Schultz thus far. He has been seen working with Prescott throughout the offseason, working out and preparing for the season. Head coach Mike McCarthy even said he’s “not worried” about the tight end playing on the franchise tag, saying there will be no change to his mentality.

Dallas will have an opportunity to extend Schultz again next season. If no deal is done, another franchise tag is still on the table.