Texans TE wants to stay put

Dalton Schultz joined a new team for the first time in his career last offseason, signing with the Texans after a five-year run with the Cowboys. If he has his way, he will remain in Houston for at least the 2024 campaign.

From 2020-22 in particular, Schultz established himself as one of Dak Prescott‘s top targets. He showed considerable potential with a career year in 2021, posting 808 yards and eight touchdowns on 78 receptions. Despite having relatively high stock heading into free agency last spring, though, he inked only a one-year deal with the Texans worth $6.25M in guaranteed money.

In his debut Houston campaign, the 27-year-old delivered another strong campaign. Schultz finished with a 59-635-5 stat line in 15 regular season games, adding a touchdown grab in the team’s surprise run to the divisional round of the playoffs. He could be in line for a contract keeping him in Houston for the time being, something he would welcome.

“I’d love to be in Houston,” Schultz said during a recent appearance on SportsRadio610. “There’s no doubt about that. I loved my time. Special organization, special quarterback. Love the scheme, love the coaches, I’ve loved everything about Houston. I’m confident that we can find some common ground.”

After quarterback C.J. Stroud won Offensive Rookie of the Year with a commendable performance and first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans guided the team to a division title and wild-card win, the Texans certainly profile as an attractive free-agent destination. Schultz would be counted on as a key option in the passing game alongside wideouts Nico Collins and Tank Dell if he were to be retained.

The Cowboys were unsuccessful in working out a long-term agreement with Schultz, however. That resulted in the former fourth-rounder playing on the franchise tag in 2022. He could aim for a raise from his previous pact, though a deal placing him amongst the 12 tight ends earning $10M or more per season would likely come as a surprise. Schultz’s deal is set to void on February 19, which would trigger a $3.38M cap charge for the 2024 season. The team would therefore be well-served to hammer out a new deal before that time if Schultz’s desire for an extended stay in Houston is reciprocated.