Comparing 4 Cowboys from PFF’s top 75 free agent rankings to their competition

3. Dalton Schultz, TE

Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz sits at No. 36 on the list. Schultz has really shined in Blake Jarwin’s absence. He was a backup in 2020 and has made a name for himself in 2021. He’s a middle-of-the-road starter who can be a dependable receiver.

This year, Schultz has 75 receptions for a highly surprising 787 yards and six touchdowns. PFF thinks the former Stanford player can get $35 million for four years. He’s also impressively the highest-ranked of the five tight ends on the list.

Next up, at No. 59 is David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns. A former first-round pick, Njoku is incredibly athletic, but his injuries and several trade requests have taken away from his skill. Njoku’s blocking has consistently improved and he is averaging an impressive 13.9 yards per reception in 2021. Several years ago, seeing Schultz so far above the freakishly-athletic Njoku would’ve been a genuine shocker.

Former Eagle Zach Ertz is listed at No. 62. The tight end has found a new lease on life with the Cardinals. Cowboys fans know that he has excellent hands and is great at route running. The biggest issue for Ertz may be his age. At 31, who knows how many years of great football he has left in him?

Seattle Seahawks tight end Gerald Everett sits at No. 65. Everett is on a one-year deal with Seattle. He is incredibly adaptable and an excellent receiver. Where Everett lacks is his blocking ability.

Lastly, we have Evan Engram of the disastrous New York Giants. This guy would love to get off that roster. His incredible speed will be valuable to any team, and him getting a chance to play and be coached elsewhere may be exactly what this guy needs. Because of his issues with blocking, he may be looked at as more of a situational player.

Schultz should be thrilled that he sits above these players, given he wasn’t even a starter last year.