DALLAS — It's officially holdout season for the Dallas Cowboys. Well, sort of.

Tight end Dalton Schultz is set to miss the rest of OTAs due to an on-going contract dispute. Schultz, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2021, is reportedly "frustrated" by the state of his contract discussions with the Cowboys.

Dallas assigned the franchise tag to Schultz earlier this offseason. Such a move locks Schultz in with the Cowboys for one season, where he would earn nearly $11 million in 2022. While that looks good on paper, it is understandable while Schultz is upset.

For one, the franchise tag gives no contract security to the player. It is a one-year deal that does not guarantee an extension following the season. Furthermore, fellow tight end David Njoku recently inked a large extension with the Cleveland Browns, giving new life to the tight end market.

To make matters worse, the Dallas Cowboys do not hold all of the leverage in this situation.

Schultz holds the leverage in contract discussions

Dalton Schultz posted a strong 2021 season that saw him become a reliable target for Dak Prescott. He was the middle-of-field threat for Kellen Moore and the Cowboys. Schultz often made defenses pay as a receiver.

Schultz hauled in 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The former Stanford tight end emerged as an important piece while playing a key role in the league's top scoring offense.

When you add in his production and Njoku's recently-signed contract, Schultz has the leverage. Additionally, there is very little proven depth behind Schultz on the roster, increasing his value to the Cowboys.

It is true that the Cowboys hold leverage in a key area, which is the big obstacle that Schultz and his team must overcome.

Cowboys’ executive vice president Stephen Jones and his frugal approach to contract negotiations won’t make things easy for Schultz. The only leverage he has is to try and force the Cowboys’ hand for something long-term. If nothing comes about in that regard, Schultz will play at the current $10.9 million tag number with hopes of cashing in once 2023 rolls around.

That said, Sean McKeon and Jake Ferguson, the two tight ends behind Schultz, have combined for four catches, 27 yards, and one touchdown in the NFL. Granted, Ferguson was just drafted in April's fourth-round.

But the point still remains: there is no proven depth or experience at the position outside of Schultz.

Perhaps the Cowboys keep veteran Jeremy Sprinkle on the roster if a deal cannot be reached with Schultz. Even still, Sprinkle has very little production in his five-season career.

In the end, Dalton Schultz is a proven commodity on the Dallas Cowboys roster. He is a trusted target of Dak Prescott and has shown what he can do in the passing game. Therefore, Schultz knows he holds important leverage in contract negotiations.

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