Free Agency Prediction: Raiders will sign TE Dalton Schultz
The first week of free agency is almost over, but that doesn't mean the Las Vegas Raiders are without quality options when it comes to adding more players. Especially when considering the fact they have a little more than $18.6 million in cap room. Granted, that's not a superfluous amount, by any means; but, it's […]
The first week of free agency is almost over, but that doesn't mean the Las Vegas Raiders are without quality options when it comes to adding more players.
Especially when considering the fact they have a little more than $18.6 million in cap room. Granted, that's not a superfluous amount, by any means; but, it's enough to where the Raiders can still land an impact player.
One example of such is former Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz. The sixth-year player is a year removed from receiving the franchise tag and the Cowboys opted to let him test free agency instead of giving him another tag. Schultz is the best remaining tight end on the market and it's not because a low bar has been set, or anything: it's because Schultz is a legitimately good player.
Schultz's all-around skill set is exactly what the Raiders need
Schultz is easily a top-6 tight end because he's an all-around player. Not only is he a threat in the receiving game, but he's a very solid run blocker, too.
His run-blocking prowess is one of the key factors in this prediction. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels obviously cut his teeth in the New England Patriots way of doing things on offense, and that's always involved tight ends who can both catch and block. With more of an emphasis on the latter.
Per Pro Football Focus, Schultz was asked to run block on 40.5% of offensive snaps in 2022. He graded out as the fourth-best run-blocking tight end (65.9) among all tight ends with at least 264 run blocking snaps, in return. He blocked more in gap scheme runs than zone scheme, too, which is good because McDaniels prefers a power-style run game.
In terms of receiving, Schultz has recorded exactly 2,000 receiving yards since he became a full-time starter in 2020, which is seventh-most among all tight ends during that span. He's also hauled in the fourth-most receptions (198), the fifth-most touchdowns (17), the seventh-most first downs (103) and averages the ninth-most yards per game (41.7) over the last three seasons.
There's also a benefit when it comes to the Raiders' offensive strategy. A do-it-all tight end like Schultz is a nightmare for opposing defenses because oftentimes, tight ends aren't as well-rounded. So, a defense can be a bit more aggressive when it comes to anticipating an offensive play call because calls will typically lean toward what better suits their players' skill sets. Therefore, a run-blocking tight end is more likely to be on the field for running plays and vice-versa.
Jimmy G loves him some tight ends
Jimmy Garoppolo also thrives with a good tight end. Just take a look at his numbers when targeting the position over the last few seasons:
| Stats | 2019 (min. 45 attempts) | 2020 (min. 38 attempts*) | 2021 (min. 57 attempts) | 2022 (min. 48 attempts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Attempts | 131 (5th) | 38 (39th)* | 97 (18th) | 58 (29th) |
Touchdowns | 7 (t-8th) | 3 (t-27th) | 7 (t-9th) | 5 (t-11th) |
ANY/A | 9.2 (6th) | 6.9 (22nd) | 9.0 (3rd) | 9.5 (2nd) |
EPA/att | 0.43/att (2nd) | 0.34 (6th) | 0.22 (t-7th) | 0.29 (5th) |
Positive Play % | 61.1% (6th) | 60.5% (9th) | 63.9% (2nd) | 53.4% (14th) |
Completion % | 77.9% (2nd) | 68.4% (18th) | 78.4% (2nd) | 67.2% (22nd) |
QB Rating | 114.8 (7th) | 95.7 (t-21st) | 110.3 (6th) | 119.2 (t-5th) |
Sports Info Solutions
2020 was Garoppolo's worst year, but he struggled with injuries after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 against the New York Jets. One of the five games he played was without superstar tight end George Kittle, as well. Meaning, that year needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
But, even then, Garoppolo still managed to finish sixth in EPA/att and ninth in positive play percentage, which are easily two of the most important stats in the above table. Either way, it's clear he needs a good tight end on the roster and smart coaches shape their teams around their players' strengths. Why would McDaniels not want to get Jimmy G a good TE to throw to?
There's a big roster hole to fill, as well
The Raiders also have a need at tight end after trading Darren Waller to the New York Giants. Foster Moreau, the team's TE2 in 2022, has been visiting with other teams, so it doesn't look like he'll be back in the silver and black, either.
Schultz won't come cheap, but he is a better fit for the Raiders offense and he kills about 3-4 birds with one stone. It's more-than-sensical signing that will really help the offense get to the next level.
So far, we are batting 1.000 when it comes to free agency predictions and this will eventually become another skin to put up on the wall.
