Dalton Schultz’s presence on the Houston Texans roster as a tight end has brought invaluable versatility and reliability to the team’s offensive strategy. Since joining the squad, he has consistently showcased his prowess as both a blocker and a pass-catcher.
The new league year in the NFL and free agency period is going to start at 4 p.m. EST March 13. All 32 NFL teams are now either tagging, signing or releasing players to make roster adjustments. Schultz emerged a lucky one in this crucial time by signing a deal with the Texans.
Dalton Schultz signs a new $36M contract with Texans
Dalton Schultz has secured his future with the Texans by inking a lucrative three-year contract worth $36 million. The agreement was confirmed by a source to Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein and first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The deal includes a $23.5 million in total guarantees, placing the veteran seventh among all tight ends and even surpassing the likes of Travis Kelce. His annual salary of $12 million ranks him 12th, just behind Dawson Knox.
Dalton Schultz was initially on a one-year deal with the Texans last offseason and was headed for unrestricted free agency before this agreement. The team, boasting substantial cap space, have chosen to invest in him.
This contract negotiation removes one of the premier offensive free agents from the market. It ultimately left teams to explore alternatives such as Noah Fant and Hunter Henry for potential tight end upgrades.
The veteran made the transition to the Texans after spending the first five years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys utilized the franchise tag to retain him in 2022 before allowing him to explore the free-agent market last year.
Why is Dalton Schultz crucial for CJ Stroud?
Dalton Schultz emerged as a crucial asset for CJ Stroud during their recent campaign together. He formed a partnership with Stroud that significantly contributed to the quarterback’s recognition as Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The duo’s synergy played a crucial role in propelling the Texans to newfound success under the leadership of first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans. The HC himself kept his full trust on Stroud, and Schultz’s role behind this success is undeniable. The team’s upgrade was starkly evident when comparing their performance to the preceding season, where the team only managed to secure three victories.
Dalton Schultz’s individual performance mirrored the Texans upward trajectory. He tallied 59 receptions for 635 yards and contributed five touchdowns in 15 games last season. The football prodigy achieved a career-high 10.8 yards per catch, and his touchdown count ranked seventh among tight ends in the NFL. His statistical significance extended beyond his on-field contributions, as evidenced by his 0.33 wins above replacement (WAR).
