Tight end Dalton Schultz was tagged by the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas confirmed Tuesday it applied the franchise tag to Schultz before the 4 p.m. ET deadline. The Cleveland Browns (David Njoku) and Miami Dolphins (Mike Gesicki) also used the tag on a tight end, guaranteeing their 2022 salary at $10.93 million once the tender offer is signed.
The Cowboys also announced that it created $22 million in cap space by restructuring the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and offensive guard Zack Martin as the new league year approaches. The team saved $15 million on Prescott’s deal and $7 million on Martin’s by converting a portion of their 2022 salary into a signing bonus.
Prescott had a passer rating of 120.0 when targeting Schultz since 2020, according to the Cowboys.
Schultz, 25, was a fourth-round pick in 2018 and caught 78 passes for 808 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The Cowboys are uncertain whether tight end Blake Jarwin (hip) will be available to start the 2022 season.
The Cowboys also announced wide receiver Noah Brown signed a one-year deal on Tuesday.
This is the fourth time in five offseasons the Cowboys have employed the tag. Dallas used the franchise tag on Prescott (2020) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (2018, 2019).
Lawrence and wide receiver Amari Cooper reportedly refused paycuts this offseason and could be traded or released. Cooper is due a guaranteed bonus on March 20.
–Field Level Media
