David Chao, MD
2 min read • March 16, 2023
Posted in
Dalton Schultz had 12 catches for 122 yards and three touchdowns in the Dallas Cowboys’ two playoff games while being the second-leading receiver during the regular season. But the 26-year-old tight end didn’t receive the contract extension he wanted from the Cowboys and was low-balled by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Schultz battled a PCL sprain for most of last season, which caused him to miss two games. But the tight end was relatively healthy during the previous three seasons and didn't miss a game before the PCL injury.
According to the Pro Football Docs, Schultz’s PCL injury will be fully healed by training camp even though he opted not to get surgery.
So then, what’s the holdup?
It might have less to do with Schultz’s PCL sprain and more with the lowly tight-end market. In free agency the two tight ends to sign a long-term deal are Hayden Hurst and Josh Oliver, with both being under $10 million a year. Also, Evan Engram got franchise tagged.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Schultz has reportedly turned down “a pretty solid multi-year offer” from the Cowboys. Spotrac projects an average annual salary of $15.1 million for Schultz, making him paid higher annually than Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, and Darren Waller.
Schultz has never had a 1,000-yard season, while Kelce, Andrews, and Waller have.
So, maybe it’s the contract request and not the injury holding Schultz back.
Written by David Chao, MD
