Report: Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys not expected to reach contract agreement before Friday deadline

Following reports this week that talks have stalled between the Dallas Cowboys and tight end Dalton Schultz, ESPN insider Adam Schefter shared Thursday that sources reveal a long-term deal is “not expected” prior to Friday’s deadline for franchise-tagged players.

Schultz skipped part of the team’s mandatory minicamp in June before returning to practice shortly after. Micahel Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported Monday that the negotiating parties haven’t spoken “in weeks.”

“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.”

The exact cut-off time for the two to agree on a long-term solution is 4 p.m. ET. Schultz is now likely to play 2022 on a $10.93 million tag. Dallas can go through the same process again next offseason. Schultz would play under a $13.12 tag next season. As Gehlken pointed 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 former Stanford tight end will put forth the effort to be a valuable member of Dallas’ 2022 squad.

“Dalton’s been here pretty much the whole offseason, really going all the way back to February,” McCarthy said in June. “So it’s great to have him back and we’ll get some work today.”

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.