Cowboys make franchise tag decision, per report
The Dallas Cowboys have made their first big move of the offseason. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday morning the Cowboys will use the franchise tag on tight end Dalton Schultz, who was an impending free agent before the tag. Schultz was the logical choice in most circles. He is one of the league's most […]
The Dallas Cowboys have made their first big move of the offseason.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday morning the Cowboys will use the franchise tag on tight end Dalton Schultz, who was an impending free agent before the tag.
Schultz was the logical choice in most circles. He is one of the league's most productive tight ends over the last couple of years and he tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (8) last year. Schultz was second in receptions (78), third in receiving yards (808), and tied Amari Cooper for the second-most targets with 104 in 2021.
The franchise tag for tight ends is $10.391 million. So, that's what Schultz is slated to make in 2022. That number will come directly off the top of the pile, so it will be interesting to see how hard/if the Cowboys can offset the tag by working out a long-term deal with Schultz before July 15. That would ultimately be in Dallas' best interests, considering the franchise is currently more than $26 million over the cap in terms of effective cap space. Schultz's tag will add to the Cowboys' misery and make them closer to $37-$38 million over the cap, as it stands.
Schultz figures to be a focal point of the offense in 2022. Especially with Blake Jarwin's recent hip surgery and Cooper's eventual departure from the club.
Schultz has 154 receptions for 1,545 yards and 12 touchdowns over the course of his four-year career, but 141 receptions, 1,413 yards, and all 12 touchdowns have been recorded over the last two seasons.
Featured image via-Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
