Why Dalton Schultz Is No Longer With The Cowboys
Dalton Schultz is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Stanford and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
In 2022, Schultz led the Cowboys in receptions (78), receiving yards (808), and receiving touchdowns (8). He also had a career-high 131 targets. However, the Cowboys did not offer Schultz a contract extension before the start of the 2023 season, and he subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Eagles.
There are a few possible reasons why the Cowboys did not offer Schultz a contract extension. One possibility is that they were not willing to pay him the salary that he was seeking. Another possibility is that they did not believe that he was a good fit for their new offensive scheme under head coach Mike McCarthy.
Whatever the reason, Schultz's departure from the Cowboys is a significant loss for the team. He was one of their most productive pass-catchers and a key part of their offense.
Schultz's departure also raises questions about the future of the Cowboys' offense. The team has not had a reliable tight end since Jason Witten retired in 2017, and Schultz's departure leaves a big hole in the middle of the field.
The Cowboys will likely look to the free agent market or the draft to find a replacement for Schultz. However, it will be difficult to find a player who can match his production and leadership.
Why Did Dalton Schultz Leave the Cowboys?
Dalton Schultz's departure from the Dallas Cowboys was a significant event for the team. He was one of their most productive pass-catchers and a key part of their offense. There are a few possible reasons why the Cowboys did not offer Schultz a contract extension.
- Salary expectations
- Offensive scheme
- Team needs
- Free agency
- Draft prospects
- Injury concerns
- Personal reasons
It is likely that a combination of these factors contributed to Schultz's departure. The Cowboys were not willing to pay him the salary that he was seeking, and they did not believe that he was a good fit for their new offensive scheme. The team also had other needs to address, such as re-signing quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Michael Gallup. Schultz's departure leaves a big hole in the Cowboys' offense, and it will be difficult to find a player who can match his production and leadership.
1. Salary expectations
Salary expectations are a major factor in any contract negotiation, and they can often be a sticking point in contract talks between players and teams. In the case of Dalton Schultz, his salary expectations were likely a major factor in his decision to leave the Dallas Cowboys.
Schultz was scheduled to make $10.9 million in the final year of his contract with the Cowboys. However, he was reportedly seeking a contract extension worth at least $12 million per year. The Cowboys were not willing to pay Schultz that much money, and they ultimately decided to let him walk in free agency.
Schultz's salary expectations are understandable. He is a productive player who has been one of the Cowboys' most reliable pass-catchers in recent years. He is also just 26 years old and has several years of good football left in him.
However, the Cowboys have their own financial considerations to take into account. They have a number of other players who are due for contract extensions in the coming years, including quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Michael Gallup. The Cowboys also have to be mindful of the salary cap, which limits the amount of money that they can spend on player salaries.
In the end, the Cowboys decided that Schultz's salary expectations were too high. They were not willing to pay him the amount of money that he was seeking, and they ultimately decided to let him walk in free agency.
2. Offensive scheme
An offensive scheme is the set of plays and formations that a football team uses to move the ball down the field and score points. The offensive scheme is designed to take advantage of the team's strengths and weaknesses, and to exploit the weaknesses of the opposing team.
The Cowboys' offensive scheme under head coach Mike McCarthy is a predominantly pass-heavy scheme. This scheme relies on the quarterback to make quick decisions and get the ball out of his hands quickly. The receivers are also expected to run precise routes and make themselves open for the quarterback.
Schultz is a good receiver, but he is not a great route runner. He is also not particularly fast or athletic. This makes him a poor fit for the Cowboys' pass-heavy scheme.
In addition, Schultz is not a good blocker. This is a major liability in the Cowboys' scheme, which relies on the tight end to help block for the running game.
Overall, Schultz's skill set is not a good fit for the Cowboys' offensive scheme. This is likely one of the reasons why the Cowboys did not offer him a contract extension.
3. Team needs
In the NFL, every team has a unique set of needs. These needs can change from year to year, depending on the team's roster, injuries, and scheme. As a result, teams are constantly evaluating their needs and making roster moves accordingly.
- Salary cap
The salary cap is a major factor in every team's decision-making process. The Cowboys have a number of players who are due for contract extensions in the coming years, including quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Michael Gallup. The Cowboys also have to be mindful of the salary cap, which limits the amount of money that they can spend on player salaries.
- Roster construction
The Cowboys have a number of talented players on their roster, but they also have some holes. The Cowboys need to add depth to their offensive line and their secondary. They also need to find a replacement for Schultz at tight end.
- Scheme fit
The Cowboys' offensive scheme under head coach Mike McCarthy is a predominantly pass-heavy scheme. Schultz's skill set is not a good fit for this scheme. The Cowboys need a tight end who is a good blocker and a good route runner. Schultz is not a good blocker and he is not a great route runner.
- Future plans
The Cowboys are in a bit of a rebuilding mode. They have a number of young players on their roster, and they are looking to build a team that can compete for a Super Bowl in the future. Schultz is a good player, but he is not a part of the Cowboys' long-term plans.
In conclusion, the Cowboys' team needs played a major role in their decision to let Schultz walk in free agency. The Cowboys have a number of holes on their roster, and they need to be mindful of the salary cap. Schultz's skill set is not a good fit for the Cowboys' offensive scheme, and he is not a part of the Cowboys' long-term plans.
4. Free agency
Free agency is a period during which players in the NFL are allowed to negotiate and sign contracts with any team. This period begins after the NFL Draft and ends on the day before the regular season begins. During this period, teams are allowed to sign any player who is not under contract with another team.
- Salary cap
The salary cap is a major factor in free agency. Teams are limited in how much money they can spend on player salaries, and this can affect which players they are able to sign. The Cowboys have a number of players who are due for contract extensions in the coming years, including quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Michael Gallup. The Cowboys also have to be mindful of the salary cap, which limits the amount of money that they can spend on player salaries.
- Roster construction
Teams also need to consider their roster construction when making free agent signings. The Cowboys have a number of talented players on their roster, but they also have some holes. The Cowboys need to add depth to their offensive line and their secondary. They also need to find a replacement for Schultz at tight end.
- Scheme fit
Teams also need to consider scheme fit when making free agent signings. The Cowboys' offensive scheme under head coach Mike McCarthy is a predominantly pass-heavy scheme. Schultz's skill set is not a good fit for this scheme. The Cowboys need a tight end who is a good blocker and a good route runner. Schultz is not a good blocker and he is not a great route runner.
- Future plans
Teams also need to consider their future plans when making free agent signings. The Cowboys are in a bit of a rebuilding mode. They have a number of young players on their roster, and they are looking to build a team that can compete for a Super Bowl in the future. Schultz is a good player, but he is not a part of the Cowboys' long-term plans.
In conclusion, free agency played a major role in the Cowboys' decision to let Schultz walk. The Cowboys have a number of needs on their roster, and they need to be mindful of the salary cap. Schultz's skill set is not a good fit for the Cowboys' offensive scheme, and he is not a part of the Cowboys' long-term plans.
5. Draft prospects
The Dallas Cowboys had a number of draft prospects who could potentially replace Dalton Schultz at tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft. These prospects included:
- Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
- Dalton Kincaid, Utah
- Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
- Jaheim Oatis, Alabama
- Arik Gilbert, Georgia
The Cowboys ultimately decided to draft Mayer with the 52nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Mayer is a 6'4", 249-pound tight end who is considered to be one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the draft. He is also a good blocker, which is an important trait for a tight end in the Cowboys' offensive scheme.
The Cowboys' decision to draft Mayer likely played a role in their decision to let Schultz walk in free agency. The Cowboys now have a young, talented tight end who is on a rookie contract. This gives the Cowboys some flexibility in terms of their salary cap and allows them to focus on other needs on their roster.
In conclusion, the Cowboys' draft prospects at tight end were a factor in their decision to let Schultz leave in free agency. The Cowboys drafted Mayer, who is a young, talented tight end who is on a rookie contract. This gives the Cowboys some flexibility in terms of their salary cap and allows them to focus on other needs on their roster.
6. Injury concerns
Injury concerns are a major factor in any player's career, and they can often lead to a player being released or traded. In the case of Dalton Schultz, injury concerns were likely a contributing factor to his departure from the Dallas Cowboys.
Schultz has a history of injuries, including a hamstring injury that he suffered in 2021. This injury caused him to miss several games, and it also limited his effectiveness when he was on the field. In addition, Schultz has also had knee and ankle injuries in the past.
The Cowboys are a team with Super Bowl aspirations, and they need players who can stay healthy and be on the field. Schultz's injury history likely made the Cowboys hesitant to offer him a long-term contract.
In conclusion, injury concerns were likely a contributing factor to Dalton Schultz's departure from the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are a team with Super Bowl aspirations, and they need players who can stay healthy and be on the field. Schultz's injury history likely made the Cowboys hesitant to offer him a long-term contract.
7. Personal reasons
Dalton Schultz's departure from the Dallas Cowboys may have also been influenced by personal reasons. These reasons could include family matters, a desire to be closer to home, or other personal circumstances that made it difficult for him to remain in Dallas.
- Family matters
Schultz has a young family, and he may have wanted to be closer to them. The Cowboys are located in Texas, while Schultz's family is located in California. This long distance may have been a factor in Schultz's decision to leave the Cowboys.
- Desire to be closer to home
Schultz is a native of California, and he may have wanted to be closer to his hometown. The Cowboys are located in Texas, which is a long way from California. This distance may have been a factor in Schultz's decision to leave the Cowboys.
- Other personal circumstances
There may have been other personal circumstances that made it difficult for Schultz to remain in Dallas. These circumstances could include anything from health issues to financial problems. It is impossible to know for sure what these circumstances were, but they may have played a role in Schultz's decision to leave the Cowboys.
Ultimately, only Schultz knows the true reasons why he left the Cowboys. However, it is possible that personal reasons played a role in his decision.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers regarding Dalton Schultz's departure from the Dallas Cowboys.
Question 1: Why did Dalton Schultz leave the Dallas Cowboys?Dalton Schultz left the Dallas Cowboys because the team was not willing to offer him a contract extension that met his salary expectations. Additionally, Schultz's skill set was not a good fit for the Cowboys' new offensive scheme under head coach Mike McCarthy.
Question 2: What are Schultz's salary expectations?Schultz was reportedly seeking a contract extension worth at least $12 million per year. The Cowboys were not willing to pay him that much money.
Question 3: How does Schultz's skill set not fit the Cowboys' offensive scheme?The Cowboys' offensive scheme under head coach Mike McCarthy is a predominantly pass-heavy scheme. Schultz is not a great route runner or blocker, which are both important traits for a tight end in this scheme.
Question 4: Did the Cowboys draft a replacement for Schultz?Yes, the Cowboys drafted Michael Mayer, a tight end from Notre Dame, with the 52nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Mayer is a young, talented tight end who is on a rookie contract. This gives the Cowboys some flexibility in terms of their salary cap and allows them to focus on other needs on their roster.
Question 5: Could injury concerns have played a role in Schultz's departure?Possibly. Schultz has a history of injuries, including a hamstring injury that he suffered in 2021. This injury caused him to miss several games, and it also limited his effectiveness when he was on the field. The Cowboys are a team with Super Bowl aspirations, and they need players who can stay healthy and be on the field. Schultz's injury history likely made the Cowboys hesitant to offer him a long-term contract.
Summary: Dalton Schultz left the Dallas Cowboys because the team was not willing to offer him a contract extension that met his salary expectations. Additionally, Schultz's skill set was not a good fit for the Cowboys' new offensive scheme under head coach Mike McCarthy.
Transition to the next article section: Dalton Schultz is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. It will be interesting to see how he performs in a new offense and with a new team.
Conclusion
Dalton Schultz left the Dallas Cowboys because the team was not willing to offer him a contract extension that met his salary expectations. Additionally, Schultz's skill set was not a good fit for the Cowboys' new offensive scheme under head coach Mike McCarthy. Schultz is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in a new offense and with a new team.
Schultz's departure from the Cowboys is a reminder that the NFL is a business. Teams are constantly making decisions based on their salary cap and their long-term goals. Schultz was a good player for the Cowboys, but he was not a part of their long-term plans. The Cowboys decided to let him walk in free agency, and they used the money they saved to sign other players.
The NFL is a tough business, but it is also a fair business. Teams are allowed to make the decisions that they believe are in their best interests. The Cowboys made the decision to let Schultz go, and Schultz made the decision to sign with the Eagles. Both decisions were made for business reasons, and both decisions are fair.Article Recommendations
