PFF puts surprising Cowboys player on “most to prove” list

Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz has had quite the offseason. The man in front of him (Blake Jarwin) got released from the team, which led the front office to put him on the franchise tag. Then, despite telling the press several times that he wanted to remain with Dallas long-term, the Cowboys ended up not signing Schultz to an extension.

The tight end continually pushed for a lucrative, multi-year contract like many other tight ends received this offseason, but the Joneses seemed uninterested. Whether that’s because they were being frugal, they believe in rookie TE Jake Ferguson, or they just didn’t want to sign Schultz to an extension, the two sides could not come to an agreement.

The Stanford product certainly proved himself to be a vital part of this roster in 2021 after collecting eight touchdowns and 808 receiving yards. But does he have more to prove in 2022? Pro Football Focus thinks so.

In a recent article where PFF listed a player from each team who has the most to prove in 2022, writer Doug Kyed listed the Cowboys’ tight end.

PFF lists Dalton Schultz as the player on the Cowboys with the most to prove in 2022

Here is what Kyed had to say about Schultz:

"The Cowboys and Schultz didn’t reach a long-term contract this offseason, meaning the veteran tight end could be headed for free agency next offseason. He was great in 2021 with a 78.2 PFF grade, but he has to prove it wasn’t just a fluke. The Cowboys have been impressed with Schultz so far in camp."

Kyed is right. Sadly, there is a chance Schultz had just one fantastic season. However, I think the likelihood of that being the case is incredibly slim. With Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson off the roster and Michael Gallup and James Washington out for at least a bit, Schultz’s numbers should be better based on the increased number of targets he gets alone.

The tight end clearly showed a strong connection with Cowboys QB Dak Prescott last season, and the two have been continuing to work together all offseason.

So, does Schultz have to prove himself in 2022? Yes. He has to earn himself either an extension with the Cowboys or a new, bigger contract elsewhere.

However, when you think about the entirety of the Cowboys roster, it seems like there is far more pressure on others. It’s easy to argue that Ezekiel Elliott or Prescott have more to prove this season.

Elliott is not only coming off a season where he was visibly worse and lacked power, but he also has an out in his contract in 2023 that would allow the Cowboys’ front office to save a ton of money on letting him go. With the team bragging about his health and improved athleticism this offseason, the RB1 has to prove he can be what he was earlier in his career or he will likely get the boot.

Plus, if Elliott doesn’t do well this season, he likely won’t get much money elsewhere. Teams know not to pay running backs (especially ones with this much time in the league) big bucks anymore. Talented tight ends are much harder to come by in this league, which may give Schultz more value on the market.

Then, there’s Prescott. The quarterback doesn’t have an out in his contract, but this is his first fully healthy season in almost three years. A lot is expected of No. 4, especially after a serious lack of postseason success.

In theory, everyone on this roster has a lot to prove. Many analysts are seriously doubting the Cowboys’ ability and chances for 2022. However, to say the most pressure to perform is on Schultz is an interesting decision.