The deadline has now passed for franchise-tagged players to receive a long-term deal from their clubs in 2022. Tight End Dalton Schultz and the Dallas Cowboys were unable to agree on a new contract before 4:00 pm EST today, meaning Schultz will play this year on his one-year franchise tender and return to free agency in 2023.
Schultz and the Cowboys have reportedly been far apart in these negotiations since the start of the offseason. Dalton is wanting to be paid like other highly-productive NFL tight ends, rating about $13-$14 million annually, while the Cowboys are happy to keep him at the $10.93 million he'll earn in 2022 on the franchise tag.
And now, the 4 p.m. deadline for franchise players to sign contract extensions this year has come and gone without any new deals, officially.
Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki, Orlando Brown and Jessie Bates III are now set to play this season on their one-year franchise deals.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2022
As expected, Cowboys and TE Dalton Schultz won't reach a long-term contract today, person close to situation said. No last-ditch scramble is underway before 3 p.m. CT deadline. Coming off two strong years, Schultz will play season on $10.93M franchise tag. https://t.co/DRrU7F7ZLz
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 15, 2022
Even if the Cowboys were to tag Schultz again next year his salary would only rise to $13.12 million. That would still keep him on the lower end if TE compensation; Dallas would happily pay that amount while preserving their flexibility in future years.
One of the big questions around Dalton is if he's truly a special talent at his position or simply a product of Dallas' offense. He's enjoyed attacking from the shadows the last few years with Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup drawing more attention from defenders.
With Cooper now gone and Gallup potentially missing the start of the season, Dalton Schultz will get a great opportunity to show just how valuable he is. While the contract talks for 2022 are now over, this story continues as we and the Cowboys assess their starting tight end's performance throughout the upcoming season.
