Why Cowboys' breakout player could lose value during 2021 season

Dalton Schultz had a breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021. He became a threat in the middle of the field and was a reliable, go-to target in some key situations for Dak Prescott. The NFL considers Schultz to be a top-10 tight end in the league. His versatility and overall consistency is valued […]

Cole Patterson
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Dalton Schultz had a breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021. He became a threat in the middle of the field and was a reliable, go-to target in some key situations for Dak Prescott.

The NFL considers Schultz to be a top-10 tight end in the league. His versatility and overall consistency is valued high by those around the NFL. Which makes it interesting that the Cowboys decided to franchise tag Schultz rather than signing him to an extension.

Nonetheless, there is a decent chance that this is Dalton Schultz's last season in Dallas. That is always the risk when a team and player choose the franchise tag route. He can either play his way to a big contract, or he can prove the Cowboys right by struggling to sustain the breakout performances.

One way or another, this season is big for Dalton Schultz. Some factors could lead to Schultz losing some value as the season plays out.

Why Schultz could lose value

Dallas Cowboys
Sep 27, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz (86) in action during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Dalton Schultz could very well enjoy another big season. Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson leaving the roster opens the door for Schultz to potentially see more targets in 2022. He has an established role in the offense that is not going anywhere.

However, the emergence of Jalen Tolbert and the versatility of Tony Pollard could eat into Schultz's share. Tolbert is expected to start week one, which will only allow him to grow as a player as the season progresses. Tolbert was the focal point of the South Alabama offense in college and has the ability to carve out a big role in the NFL.

Furthermore, Tony Pollard is expected to see an increased workload in the offense. He has proven to be a dynamic ball carrier, but he also adds an element as a receiver. That is where he really hurt Schultz's production.

"I'm open to anything just being on the field, being able to make the most of my opportunities," Pollard said after OTAs on Thursday, via the Dallas Morning News. "If I have to line up in the slot a little more, whatever it takes, I'm ready to do it."

Then, of course, Michael Gallup is expected to be back by October. His return to the field will certainly take away targets from Schultz.

Draft prospects on the radar

Dallas Cowboys
Mar 1, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Additionally, the 2023 NFL Draft class appears to have some top talent at tight end. That is another element that hurts Schutz's open market value when he is looking for a new deal at season's end.

Three tight ends make the preseason top-50 in PFF's NFL Draft big board:

  • Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
  • Dalton Kinkaid, Utah
  • Arik Gilbert, Georgia

Mayer is regarded as the No. 1 draft-eligible tight end entering the college football season, and he seems to be nearly a lock to be a first-round draft pick next April.

Dalton Kinkaid and Arik Gilbert are both talented prospects too, with Gilbert possessing some very intriguing upside at the position. The point is that there will be tight ends available in the draft class that may force the Cowboys to think twice about locking themselves into Dalton Schultz long-term.

Whether it is because of other players emerging on the roster or a talented draft class, Dalton Schultz could very well lose value during the 2022 NFL season.

Featured image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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