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Dalton Schultz posts emotional farewell to 2021 Cowboys season

By Lauren Barash

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 26: Dalton Schultz #86 of the Dallas Cowboy jogs off the field during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium during week 3 of the preseason on August 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Cardinals defeated the Cowboys 27-3. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 26: Dalton Schultz #86 of the Dallas Cowboy jogs off the field during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium during week 3 of the preseason on August 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Cardinals defeated the Cowboys 27-3. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz had a breakout year in his fourth season with the Cowboys. After Dallas’ other tight end, Blake Jarwin, got sidelined with a hip injury in Week 8, Schultz was forced to step up and be a starter. And boy did he deliver.

Schultz quickly became a reliable target for Dak Prescott and played a huge role in the second half of the 2021 season. On the year, he had 78 receptions for 808 yards, 10.4 yards per reception, and eight touchdowns, surpassing all of his 2020 stats by a long shot. The TE also stood out for his leadership qualities and competitiveness.

After the heartbreaking loss to the 49ers, the young player took to social media to share a heartfelt message on the season. He thanked Cowboys Nation for the support and expressed his sadness about the team coming up short.

But is this a farewell to the 2021-22 season message, or a farewell to the Cowboys message?

https://twitter.com/BinghamBaller9/status/1483542156568666112?s=20

Upcoming free agent Dalton Schultz may not be back with the Cowboys next year

For a guy who wasn’t even a starter in 2020, Schultz made his name known in the Cowboys organization this year. He’s one of the best tight ends in the league ranking closely behind some of the best names in the game.

The problem for Dallas is that he is set to hit free agency in March. And with his stellar year, teams already have their eyes on Schultz. Because he is young and clearly talented, PFF projects Schultz could get around $45 million for a four-year deal. Given that the Cowboys are currently third-worst in the league in terms of cap space, Dallas may not be able to keep Schultz around for the 2022 season.

Jarwin was able to return for the final two games but only had three total targets in both matchups. We didn’t really get to see much of the former starter this year. But, Jarwin still has two years left in his 4-year, $22 million contract with Dallas. So keeping both tight ends around, especially with Schultz’s price upgrade, likely won’t happen.

Cowboys Nation definitely has an affinity for Schultz. Only time will tell if his heartfelt tribute was a final goodbye to the Cowboys faithful or not.

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