Tight end Dalton Schultz has been franchise tagged by the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas pulled the trigger before the deadline to keep the young star in Big D for at least another season. Schultz has spent his entire career in Dallas making the most of his opportunities thanks to injuries to Blake Jarwin and the departure of Jason Witten.
The Cowboys place franchise tag on TE Dalton Schultz. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/LWLdwMXwnA
— NFL (@NFL) March 8, 2022
Dalton Schultz Gets Franchise Tagged by Dallas Cowboys
Dallas used their franchise tag on Dalton Schultz to keep the young star in Big D. The young Tight End will earn $10.9 million this season under the franchise tag. Schultz was unimpactful his first two seasons with a combined 122 receiving yards on 13 catches. Schultz also failed to reach the end zone until his third season in 2020. The young tight end broke out in 2020 after Jarwin suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 1. Schultz racked up 615 yards and 808 yards in the following two seasons. He also scored a combined 12 touchdowns on 63 and 78 receptions in 2020 and 2021 respectively. With rumors coming out regarding Amari Cooper and his future in Dallas, it is crucial for the Cowboys to retain their skill players.
Schultz played his college football at Stanford University where he backed up Austin Hooper. As a Sophomore, Schultz earned the starting duties but did not produce in the passing game with 222 yards on 23 catches. Schultz’s primary contribution was blocking for Christian McCaffery and Bryce Love. The tight end’s senior season saw similar production with 212 yards on 22 receptions with three touchdowns.
Dallas selected Schultz 137th overall in the fourth round during the 2018 NFL Draft. In his early seasons, Schultz made his money run-blocking for Ezekiel Elliott. In 2020 Schultz burst onto the scene in Week 2. He racked up nine catches for 88 yards and a touchdown in a 40-39 comeback win. Schultz continued to produce despite losing Dak Prescott in Week 5 with 615 total yards and four touchdowns. Schultz was even more productive in 2021. Dallas tagging Schultz is crucial to maintaining skill players and pass-catchers around a healthy Prescott.
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