Report: Cowboys, Dalton Schultz 'have not spoken in weeks' about contract

Nov 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz (86) scores a two point conversion in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at AT&T Stadium. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys, Dalton Schultz reportedly 'have not spoken in weeks' about long-term contract

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/11/22

A piece produced by Grant Gordon of the NFL's website that was published shortly ahead of this past weekend claimed that there was some "optimism" that tight end Dalton Schultz could come to terms on a long-term deal with the Dallas Cowboys after he was franchise-tagged and then signed the franchise tender worth $10.931 million earlier this year.

It appears that optimism has waned.

Per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, there has been no progress in contract negotiations between Schultz and the Cowboys. In fact, Gehlken adds that the two parties "have not spoken in weeks" ahead of Friday's deadline for clubs to sign franchise-tagged players.

There has been no progress in long-term contract discussions between the Cowboys and franchise-tagged TE Dalton Schultz. 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.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 11, 2022

The Cleveland Browns reset the market when they somewhat surprisingly signed tight end and 2017 first-round draft pick David Njoku to a four-year contract worth up to $56.75 million with $28 million guaranteed ahead of the Memorial Day holiday. As Josh Alper noted for Pro Football Talk, Schultz may be looking to equal or even better that deal.

Without a multi-year deal by Friday at 3 p.m. CT, Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz to spend year on $10.93 million tag, and he could be tagged again in 2023 at $13.12M. These figures are below market value; Browns TE David Njoku's new deal pays $13.69M annually. https://t.co/Ywis2FOJnX
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 11, 2022

Schultz skipped the last week of Dallas' voluntary springtime workouts but reported to mandatory minicamp last month. According to ESPN stats, the 26-year-old finished last season tied for the team lead with eight touchdown receptions. He was second among Dallas targets with 78 receptions and third with 808 receiving yards.

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