Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz named 'best fit' for NFC foe
It’s been hard to figure out what will happen with the Cowboys’ standout.
One of the biggest offseason mysteries for the Dallas Cowboys lies at the tight end position: the future of Dalton Schultz.
The standout tight end had a fantastic 2021 season before a slight decline in 2022 in which injuries and backup QB play played a role.
Having played under the franchise tag for a season, the Cowboys are unlikely to use it again on Schultz as expectations are they'll use it on running back Tony Pollard.
That leaves the path clear for Schultz to hit free agency. Could the path lead him back to Dallas for an offense that could use productive tight ends as Mike McCarthy installs his West Coast scheme?
Sure. But chances are, the Cowboys will want to prioritize other positions considering Schultz will be seeking to become one of the top-paid tight ends in the NFL.
As such, many expect Schultz to play elsewhere next season. He's a reliable target who might not dictate opponents' coverage but will get open underneath consistently. So expect him to field significant offers.
But where will he end up in?
Well, one national NFL writer believes he's found Schultz's best fit. Kevin Patra from NFL.com put together an article listing each NFC team's "best free agency fit."
In it, he paired the Cowboys tight end with the Carolina Panthers:
"The quarterback situation must be solved, but Frank Reich's squad also has a glaring need to upgrade the tight end room: The Ian Thomas-Tommy Tremble combo ain't selling. Schultz is a QB-friendly tight end who can get open in close quarters and provide a red-zone threat. He's also a solid blocker. Carolina must furnish playmakers (alongside DJ Moore) for whoever is under center. Adding a weapon like Schultz would fit Reich's scheme and bring YAC capability and third-down reliability to an offense that has been missing both."
If the Panthers do end up with Schultz, he'd be playing the Cowboys in 2023 in Charlotte.
If it comes to that, the Cowboys will have another position to worry about. Even though Jake Ferguson looked like the real deal as a rookie, the team will need better depth and perhaps a veteran starter.
Featured image via Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
