Dalton Schultz is the most intriguing tight end on the free agent market this offseason. After having a big three straight seasons in Dallas he went on to sign a a one-year prove-it deal with the Houston Texans last offseason. He has proved ready to cash in and get a multi-year deal done. Will Schultz be able to capitalize on a weaker tight end free agency and draft? How does a new team and fresh contract impact Dalton Schultz dynasty outlook?
Fantasy Football Dynasty Outlook: Dalton Schultz
The History
Dalton Schultz began his career in 2018 with the Dallas Cowboys. He was non-existent in his first two seasons before exploding onto the scene in 2020. Over his three final seasons in Dallas, he managed over 55 receptions, over 550 yards, and two top-ten fantasy point-per-game finishes. The Cowboys weren’t willing to pay up. Apparently, neither were any other teams, leading to his prove-it deal with the Houston Texans in the offseason.
Schultz finished the 2023 season with 59 receptions, 635 yards, and five touchdowns while building great rapport behind the arm of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. This was his second-best fantasy season at 10 fantasy points per game. Behind his top-five season in 2021, where he went for over 800 yards and had eight touchdowns. Leading to a 12.3 fantasy points per game season. The season Dalton Schultz dynasty outlook ballooned.
The Situation
Dalton Schultz has gone for over 600 yards and 55 or more receptions in three of his last four seasons. Playing on a prove-it deal was an insult. Although, perhaps a veiled opportunity for Schultz who continued to show consistency. Now, he will test a free agent tight end market void of significant fantasy talent. Not to mention, a tight end draft class that, per NFL Mock Draft Database consensus big board, has only three top-100 tight ends. Just for comparison, last season saw six tight ends in the top 100 consensus big boards. On draft night, eight total tight ends were taken in the top 100.
The best-case scenario is the one Schultz wants as well – a return to the Houston Texans. Schultz is still at a very respectable age going into his age 28 season. The young and exciting Houston Texans offense needs continuity, especially with weapons for Stroud. And who wouldn’t want a tight end with the profile Schultz has built over the last four seasons?
If the Texans aren’t able to come to terms on a new deal, he should have plenty of suitors. These teams can use immediate win-now services of a plus offensive weapon: Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. The Jets have significant investments in CJ Uzomah and Tyler Conklin who have underwhelmed and can be cut for significant cap savings. With Aaron Rodgers returning, the Jets will be in full win-now mode and need an upgrade at tight end to complete their offensive weaponry.
Current Price
Using the crowd-sourced information of KeepTradeCut, we get the opinion of the overall fantasy community evaluation of a player. Currently, Dalton Schultz value is the TE20 – a tremendous value for a tight end who has been a top 12 tight end in three straight seasons. He is currently behind two tight ends who haven’t even been drafted: Brock Bowers and Ja’Tavion Sanders. Players valued around him include Daniel Jones, Nick Chubb, Aaron Jones, and Jakobi Meyers. As far as rookie picks that are valued similarly, he is closest to a 2024 or 2025 mid-2nd round pick.
What to do with Dalton Schultz?
Let’s take a look at three different situations you may be in for fantasy if you are a Dalton Schultz manager and figure out what you should do with him.
Rebuilding
The hardest working managers are those rebuilding and trying to recoup top value for their assets. Always trying to make those tough and hopefully right decisions. Dalton Schultz is a great asset to leverage if you are rebuilding. He lands in amongst older players from a value perspective, but a mid-2nd is a great return for a tight end in fantasy. Or you can try and get yourself a lesser pick, 3rd or 4th rounder, and go after some younger players valued around him to take some shots on the upside or players who may be underperforming that could bounce back. Names that appear and intrigue include: Jerry Jeudy, Khalil Shakir, Chase Brown, and Jalin Hyatt.
Middle of the Pack
Oh, the Pittsburgh Steelers of fantasy football. Mediocrity. It’s a tough place to be. Schultz won’t do much for the middle-of-the-pack manager without reaching his ceiling again. However, I don’t think a ceiling-hitting top-five tight end would suddenly propel said team from mediocrity to championship contender. Schultz would be a sell for me if I was in this position. Get some value for him. Or try and add a pick into the deal with him and get a player that gives you more of a shot to take you into the contender arena. Some players who add a pick with Schultz could get: Terry McLaurin, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, or Chris Godwin. What you try to get for Schultz will depend on the valuation of your team. Do you think you are a couple of pieces from truly contending? Or is it time to pack it in and re-tool or rebuild?
Contenders
As a contender, I wouldn’t be buying Dalton Schultz. The only way I would buy is if you are in dire straits at the tight end position. However, as a contender, you are likely able to be cheaper at the position based on the top-end talent you have. If you have Dalton Schultz as a contender and he’s your TE 2 or 3, I’d consider moving off him. He lands amongst a few different players you could use now to bolster your roster. Looking at running backs alone, there is Alvin Kamara, Nick Chubb, and Aaron Jones. For receivers: Marquise Brown, Courtland Sutton, and Demario Douglas. You could even consider a couple of quarterbacks: Kirk Cousins and Daniel Jones. Schultz won’t fetch you an elite return, but suring up another position for a couple more seasons is a major gain that can keep you in the green for a bit longer.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – USA Today Sports
