The notable extension given from the Cleveland Browns to David Njoku is likely to have an impact on the tight end market going forward. That makes Dalton Schultz of the Dallas Cowboys a name to watch over the coming weeks.
Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News details the circumstances surrounding the 25-year-old with respect to a lucrative contract. After two seasons of minimal production, Schultz has become a trusted target for quarterback Dak Prescott, and one of the top young players at the position. In 2021, he continued his career ascension with 78 receptions, 808 yards and eight touchdowns.
Those numbers made him an easy choice to receive the franchise tag in March. If he plays on the one-year deal, he will earn $10.9M. While that would rank him in the top-10 in the league in terms of yearly compensation, the Cowboys have stated their intention of committing to him long-term. Schultz himself has reciprocated that sentiment, leaving many to believe that the tag will serve as simply a placeholder for a lengthy extension.
However, Watkins notes that there doesn’t seem to be the same level of urgency present on the team’s side regarding a new deal, compared to other notable ones signed by the likes of DeMarcus Lawrence and Prescott in years past. While he adds that “it’s assumed talks will intensify” as the July 15 deadline draws nearer, that news signals that a contract placing Schultz closer to the top of the tight end market isn’t around the corner at this point.
“I let my agent handle all that business and right now I’m just focused on OTAs,” the former fourth-rounder said last week.
There doesn’t appear to be any tension between the two parties on the subject of a second contract, but there is apparently much to be done if they are to finalize one before the deadline.
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