Blake Jarwin surgery has Dallas Cowboys open to franchise tag for TE Dalton Schultz
With Dalton Schultz set to be a free agent after a career-high 78 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021, tight end was already an critical spot for the Dallas Cowboys heading into the offseason.
The Cowboys are considering placing the franchise tag on Schultz, who is expected to have a robust market as a free agent. The team will look to take a tight end in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The issue is even more acute with news that Blake Jarwin’s career is in question after a uncommon hip surgery last month that could have him opening the 2022 season on the physically unable to perform list, if he is even able to return to play at all.
The surgery, which is normally performed on hockey players, is unique for an active NFL player, per multiple sources.
But it is considered Jarwin’s only hope of continuing a NFL career that has been injury riddled since he signed a four-year, $22 million contract before the 2020 season.
He played in just one game in 2020 before suffering an ACL tear, allowing Schultz to emerge as the team’s No. 1 tight end.
Jarwin returned in 2021 and played the first seven games before going on injured reserve due to a hip injury.
The surgery will require 6-8 months of rehab, per sources.
The Cowboys are hoping he can return but could restructure his contract or cut him and bring him back.
His base salary is $4 million in 2022. The Cowboys could save $2 million on the salary cap by cutting him.
Jarwin’s future is uncertain and so are the Cowboys’ prospects at tight end with Schultz and backup Jeremy Sprinkle headed to free agency.
The only holdovers are Sean McKeon and Ian Bunting, who spent last season on the practice squad.
The Cowboys have until March 8 to place the franchise tag on Schultz.
The franchise tag for tight ends is $11 but it is their only hope to keep him as the Cowboys expect to priced out of the market in free agency, per sources.
Even if they do bring back Schultz on the franchise tag, look for the Cowboys to take a tight end in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft.
It’s a healthy draft for tight ends, though none are deemed worthy of a first-round pick.
The team met with two of the draft’s top tight end prospects in Texas A&M’s Jalen Wydermyer and Coastal Carolina’s Isaiah Likely at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
