INDIANAPOLIS — Barring an unforeseen development, Dalton Schultz will hit the open market this month, putting the Cowboys tight end one step closer to a potential departure in free agency.
Little momentum presently exists toward a new contract between him and the club, people familiar with the situation indicated this week at the NFL scouting combine. It would take a dramatic turn of events for Schultz not to begin contract negotiations with other clubs when allowed to do so March 13.
He can sign elsewhere as early as March 15 when his contract expires.
Schultz is one of seven tight ends with 2,000 or more receiving yards combined in the past three years. Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, George Kittle, Darren Waller, T.J. Hockenson and Dallas Goedert are the others. Schultz is fourth in receptions, seventh in yards and fifth in touchdowns among tight ends over that span.
He played last season under the $10.9 million franchise tag. Theoretically, the Cowboys could tag Schultz again for $13.1 million, but there are no indications that option is under serious consideration. At $10.1 million, running back Tony Pollard is considered far more likely to be tagged in the days ahead.
The franchise-tag deadline is Tuesday.
Schultz dealt with a right PCL knee sprain last season, resulting in a drop in his overall production. He totaled 57 receptions for 577 yards and five touchdowns. He led Dallas with seven catches for 95 yards and two scores in a Jan. 16 playoff win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Schultz joined the Cowboys as a fourth-round pick in 2018.
After being mentored as a rookie, he paid it forward last season despite the contract uncertainty. Rookie teammates Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot commended the 26-year-old for how he helped guide them as rookies, celebrating their successes and offering advice both on and off the field.
If Schultz does sign elsewhere, the Cowboys could chose to fortify the position in the draft.
The 2023 class is widely considered to be especially strong at tight end.
