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Dallas Cowboys free agent tight end Dalton Schultz has reportedly turned down a lucrative long-term offer.
According to by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated on Monday, Schultz rejected a three-year, $36 million contract “at one point”. Schultz opted to play on the $10.9 million franchise tag in 2022 and is currently a free agent.
“One gamble that hasn’t worked—Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz betting on himself and playing on the franchise tag in 2023. Schultz had a three-year, $36 million deal at one point. I get why he’d pass that up. But the fallout hasn’t been pretty. Schultz played on a $10.9 million franchise tender last year, and now he’s unsigned and still on the market about a week into free agency.”
Schultz’ agent went to twitter to deny the report:
This is 100% inaccurate.
— Steve Caric (@SteveCaric) March 20, 2023
The former 4th round pick was the most productive tight end on the 2023 free-agent market, having caught 57 passes for 577 yards and five scores last season.
In 2021, he set career-high marks with 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns.
Schultz has a case to earn a high contract, considering his productivity and reliability over the past three seasons as Dak Prescott most solid weapon.
Despite turning down a reported $12 million per year contract, Schultz is likely to land a good deal with a tight end-needy team. He has proven to be a valuable asset on the field and is poised to have a successful career in the NFL.
Update
Dalton Schultz have now signed a 1-year deal worth up to $9 million with the Houston Texans.
Breaking: FA TE Dalton Schultz is signing with the #Texans, source tells @theScore.
Over the past three seasons in Dallas, Schultz has amassed 198 catches for 17 TDs.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 20, 2023