Dallas Cowboys: Dalton Schultz ranked as No 14 potential 2023 free agent

Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz is already nearing the top of the 2023 potential free agents lists heading into the 2022 season. The former Stanford Cardinal tight end is playing the 2022 NFL season on an $11 million franchise tag after failing to reach a long-term deal before the deadline this offseason.

In a potential free agent class topped by Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson, the Cowboys tight end comes in at No. 14 on the NFL.com list.

“A revelation in Big D last season, Schultz is set up to earn himself some money as a key cog in the Cowboys’ depleted receiving corps,” Gregg Rosenthal writes.

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

The NFL’s list, which ranked the top 25 potential free agents, includes just one other tight end. At No. 11 is former Penn State star Mike Gesicki. Gesicki is going into his fifth year this season and posted 780 receiving yards with two scores in 2021.

“Gesicki has improved every season as a field-stretching receiver, although I’m skeptical about new coach Mike McDaniel trying to turn him into a blocker,” Rosenthal wrote.

Schultz opens up on future plans after failing to reach new deal

On the first day of training camp, Dalton Schultz discussed the failed negotiation for a long-term contract with the team. He opened up about where he’s at mentally after not getting the deal he feels he deserves.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed,” Schultz said about playing on the franchise tag. “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.”

As Amari Cooper is now a Cleveland Brown, and Michael Gallup is currently on the Cowboys’ PUP list, the No. 2 receiving spot (behind CeeDee Lamb) is up for grabs.

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this report.