As the deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign extensions continues to approach, one of the situations receiving the most attention is that between the Cowboys and tight end Dalton Schultz. For the most part, signs have pointed toward a stalemate preventing a long-term pact being worked out. That likelihood is strengthened, if anything, by the latest update on the matter.
Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning New reports that there have been no contract talks between the two sides “in weeks” (Twitter link). As a result, he adds, “no deal is imminent” at this point. That falls in line with the prevailing sentiment throughout the spring, as both parties have remained far apart during negotiations at all times.
There was, on the other hand, cause for at least some optimism over the weekend when it was predicted that talks would resume in the days leading up to Friday’s deadline. Assuming that takes place, the chance still remains that a breakthrough can be reached; if not, the former fourth-rounder will earn $10.9M in 2022 on the tag.
The tight end market has, like other positions, experienced an upward trend in recent years. 2022 has seen David Njoku land a sizeable extension, leading many to wonder what extensions for Schultz and fellow tag recipient Mike Gesicki would look like. The Cowboys have, of course, shown a propensity to give multi-year deals to key contributors in the primes. Schultz has demonstrated that he fits into that category, becoming one of Dak Prescott‘s most reliable targets during the past two campaigns in particular.
A long-term contract would, in all likelihood, elevate Schultz comfortably into the top-10 in TE per-year earnings. He could also land such a deal with the Cowboys (which have used multiple tags in recent years on cornerstone players) or another team in 2023, given the increased pass-catching role he is in line for this year. Barring a significant change, the latter timing scenario still seems the likeliest outcome in this situation.
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