Cowboys' Dalton Schultz extension not looking good as deadline looms

The Dallas Cowboys and Dalton Schultz are running out of time for a contract extension, meaning he might play under the franchise tag.

While Dalton Schultz has been angling for a new contract from the Dallas Cowboys, it's becoming more likely that the star tight end plays the 2022 NFL season under the franchise tag. According to Michael Gehlken, the Cowboys and Schultz are not very close to an agreement in their negotiations, and the two sides reportedly haven't met in a couple of weeks. With the deadline to extend a player on the franchise tag inching closer, Schultz may not get the new deal he's been posturing for just yet.

There has been no progress in long-term contract discussions between the Cowboys and franchise-tagged TE Dalton Schultz. The two sides have not spoken in weeks, source said. Deadlines can spur action, but as of now, no deal is imminent as Friday's cutoff looms.

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 11, 2022

Gehlken indicates that no deal is “imminent” as of yet, with the deadline to reach an agreement set for Friday, July 15. Assuming the Cowboys and Schultz can't agree on a contract extension, Schultz will make $10.9 million in 2022 before hitting unrestricted free agency next season.

As for what an extension for Schultz would look like, it stands to reason that he'd collect more than David Njoku did from the Cleveland Browns. Njoku is making an average annual value of $13.7 million throughout the life of his four-year, $54.75 million deal. Based on that deal, Schultz could reasonably approach a $60 million deal over the same four-year span.

Schultz has emerged as a key cog in the Cowboys' offense, particularly over the past couple of seasons. Since 2020, the former fourth-round pick has started 29 games, hauling in 141 receptions, 1,423 yards, and 14 touchdown grabs.

Clearly, he's an important factor in their offense, so it's a bit surprising that the two sides haven't been in contact regarding an extension over the past couple of weeks. There's still a bit of time to get a deal done, but with the deadline rapidly approaching, it seems unlikely that Schultz will avoid playing under the franchise tag in 2022.