Getty Dalton Schultz (top) will be back with the Cowboys in 2022.
The Dallas Cowboys will once again have their starting tight end Dalton Schultz on the roster for 2022. The Cowboys opted to place the franchise tag on Schultz ahead of the March 8 deadline, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The move, which will cost the Cowboys $10.9 million in 2022, will keep Schultz under contract for another season. The decision means the Cowboys opted not to place the franchise tag on starting defensive end Randy Gregory, a move that would have given the pass rusher a $17.8 million salary for next season.
“The Cowboys are franchise tagging TE Dalton Schultz, source said, keeping another playmaker in the fold,” Rapoport tweeted on March 8. “Coming off his best season, Schultz now is locked in for 2022 with a long-term deal the hope in the future.”
Schultz, who will be 26 when the 2022 season starts, scored eight touchdowns and had 808 yards on 78 catches last season.
Dallas is still working toward getting a long-term deal with Schultz done ahead of the July deadline, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. If the Cowboys and Schultz are able to agree to an extension this offseason, the new contract would replace the use of the franchise tag for 2022.
“The Cowboys will keep working to get a deal done with Dalton Schultz before the deadline in July. Had hoped to get it done before today but alas,” Garafolo tweeted on March 8.
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Jarwin Is Expected to Miss the Start of the 2022 Season
The Cowboys likely felt increased pressure to retain Schultz given the uncertainty surrounding tight end Blake Jarwin. According to Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken, Jarwin is dealing with an “uncommon” hip injury and is expected to miss the start of the season.
“In late February, Cowboys TE Blake Jarwin underwent surgery for a hip injury that is considered very uncommon for an active NFL player, source said,” Gehlken tweeted on March 3. “He is not expected to be available for the start of the 2022 season, clouding his Cowboys future.”
Gehlken added that Jarwin’s recent injury clouds his future in Dallas even further. If the Cowboys parted ways with Jarwin, 27, they would create additional cap space.
The Cowboys Will Not Place the Franchise Tag on Gregory
The decision to tag Schultz means that Gregory, 29, is heading toward the open market. Sports Illustrated’s Mike Fisher reported that Gregory would be “the priority” for the Cowboys in free agency.
It will be worth watching to see if Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence are both on the Cowboys’ roster in 2022. Lawrence and Amari Cooper have been mentioned as potential cap casualties for the Cowboys this offseason.
“If the Cowboys are letting Randy Gregory hit the free agent market that could be good news for DeMarcus Lawrence and his desire to remain with Dallas,” Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins tweeted on March 7. “However, Cowboys could always cut him if they reach a deal with Gregory. So lots of moving parts.”
Pro Football Focus ranked Gregory No. 14 on its list of top free agents. The pass rusher is projected to land a two-year, $25 million contract in free agency. This would give Gregory an average annual salary of $15 million, less than the $17.8 million franchise tag the Cowboys could have used.