3 Cowboys playing their way off the roster in 2023

2. Dalton Schultz, Tight End

In 2020, Dalton Schultz came out of nowhere to become a star for the Cowboys. Filling in for an injured Blake Jarwin, Schultz recorded 63 receptions for 615 yards and four touchdowns. He followed up that campaign with an even more impressive 808 yards on 78 receptions with eight touchdowns a year ago.

After proving himself two years in a row, the former Stanford Cardinal was ready to get paid. The Cowboys, however, were not prepared to fork out a long-term deal. Instead, they hit him with the franchise tag and continued to negotiate. In the end, the two sides never came to an agreement before the July deadline and he played on the $10.9 million tag.

While he did miss time due to a knee injury, Schultz has still put together another strong campaign thus far. He continues to be a safety valve for Dak Prescott, and had his best game on Thanksgiving, when he hauled in two touchdowns.

Despite continually proving himself, Schultz could be on his way out in the offseason. Not only did Dallas balk at a long-term deal this summer, but they also added Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot in the offseason.

Each rookie is playing well, and the front office will likely turn to them, since that $10.9 million tag will be the floor where Schultz and his team start negotiations.