Cowboys Rumors: Dalton Schultz Engaged in Contract Talks Ahead of July 15 Deadline

With one week remaining before the deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term extensions, the Dallas Cowboys are taking a stab at working something out with Dalton Schultz.

Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Schultz and the Cowboys are having talks again after previously failing to agree to terms on a new deal.

Schultz has already signed his one-year franchise tender worth $10.9 million.

Schultz was operating from a position of leverage this offseason coming off a career year in 2021. He ranked third among all tight ends in receptions (78), fifth in touchdown receptions (eight) and sixth in receiving yards (808).

The Cowboys eliminated the risk of losing Schultz by tagging him. He didn't seem to be upset by the move given how quickly he signed the tender.

Speaking to reporters in April, Schultz expressed hope that the two sides could work out a multiyear extension.

"I want to work out a long-term deal and I think they do, too," Schultz said. "I hope we can get that done."

Per a June 24 report from Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, Schultz and the Cowboys were "far apart in negotiations."

It's unclear at this point what kind of deal Schultz is seeking. George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers is the highest-paid tight end in the NFL by total value ($75 million over five years) and average annual salary ($15 million).

Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, Mark Andrews, David Njoku and Jonnu Smith are the only other tight ends who currently have contracts worth at least $50 million in total value.

Schultz's $10.9 million salary in 2022 is tied with Mike Gesicki, who also received the franchise tag from the Miami Dolphins, for eighth among all tight ends.

The Cowboys do have $20.3 million in cap space to work with right now if they want to work out an extension with their 25-year-old tight end.

Schultz was a fourth-round draft pick by Dallas in 2018. He was a backup for most of his first two seasons before taking over as the starting tight end in 2020. The Stanford alum has racked up 1,423 yards and 12 touchdowns on 141 receptions in 33 games over the past two seasons.

The deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign an extension is July 15 at 1 p.m. ET.