Cowboys fans will not like these 3 PFF free agency predictions
2. Dalton Schultz, TE
Another heartbreaker. Thanks, PFF. Dalton Schultz did exactly what he needed to do the year before free agency… he earned himself a serious pay raise. This tight end went from a backup benchwarmer to a consistent target for Dak Prescott. Schultz became only the second Cowboy in history (Jason Witten) to have at least 70 targets and 800 yards in a season. He put Blake Jarwin’s production to shame.
But with a stellar, breakout performance comes a bigger paycheck. There is talk that the Cowboys could use the franchise tag on him, but many sources are saying Dallas will not be doing that. It’s unknown whether that is because they can’t afford to use the franchise tag or because they just don’t want to use it on Schultz.
Some notes on free agents now that the franchise tag window has opened:
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) February 22, 2022
Cowboys and Rams are in a tough cap situation to tag TE Dalton Schultz and CB Darious Williams, respectively, this offseason.
Schultz should have a robust market as the most well-balanced TE on the market.
Because Schultz had the third-best WAR (wins above replacement) of all tight ends, many teams will be ready and willing to throw their money at the young tight end. According to PFF, that team would be the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags are undoubtedly in restructure mode after a brutal year under Urban Meyer. With the third-best amount of money to spend, prepare for the Jags to throw huge blockbuster contracts at players to help get their players and fans excited for next year.
The Jags’ current depth chart has a bunch of unknown tight ends and you have to imagine that the main thing they want to do this offseason is getting their No. 1 overall QB Trevor Lawrence more reliable catchers. Schultz has proven that he deserves to be a starting tight end, and he would absolutely get that opportunity in Jacksonville. PFF predicts that starting spot will also come with a lucrative four-year, $52 million contract with $32.5 million guaranteed. There’s nothing worst than seeing a player grow with your team and then watching them leave the next year.