3 free agent tight ends Cowboys can sign if Dalton Schultz leaves

Throughout this past offseason, the Dallas Cowboys and Dalton Schultz discussed an extension but never could come to terms. This led to the starting tight end playing on the franchise tag as the front office again kicked the can down the road when it comes to paying their best players.

Now after watching him score three touchdowns in two postseason games, the Cowboys should be willing to negotiate again but their frugal approach to roster-building might lead to his exit. If so, these three players could be fallback plans.

3 tight ends Cowboys can sign in Dalton Schultz leaves in free agency

3. Robert Tonyan

An undrafted free agent out of Indiana State in 2017, Robert Tonyan originally began his career with the Detroit Lions. He was unable to make their roster as a rookie and then joined one of their rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

He spent that season on the practice squad and played sparingly in 2018 and 2019. Then in 2020, Tonyan broke out with 52 receptions on just 59 targets for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns.

A torn ACL ended his follow-up campaign prematurely but he returned to full health this year and had 53 receptions for 470 yards with two touchdowns.

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Now a free agent, Tonyan might not get a major deal since his numbers were down last year. He could also be looking for a new home since the Packers could be moving on from Aaron Rodgers. Should that be the case, Dallas could attempt to bring Tonyan in on a one-year deal as he works with Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot, who could wind up being the long-term answers once they get a little more experience.