We already knew that the Cowboys had a tight end dilemma this offseason. But now there’s talk that Blake Jarwin, a potential starting candidate in 2022, could miss the entire season following recent hip surgery. What does this mean for the future of impending free agent Dalton Schultz and Dallas’ TE position?
A few days ago we reported on Jarwin’s surgery and the potential that he might not be ready for the start of the regular season. But this morning, former Cowboys staffer and media member Bryan Broaddus indicated that Blake may not play at in 2022.
While tweeting about Dallas’ potential strategy for bringing back key offensive free agents, Bryan said the following:
Think they’re working on a Gallup and Wilson plan with a tag on Schultz. That Jarwin injury is bad. https://t.co/K9dExpLdhF
— BryanBroaddus (@BryanBroaddus) March 7, 2022
Bad enough you’re likely not seeing him this season. https://t.co/HpZBAUHVbD
— BryanBroaddus (@BryanBroaddus) March 7, 2022
If the Cowboys share this fear then it puts their negotiations with Dalton Schultz in a new light. Going back to Jarwin as a starter wasn’t a bad option; he was supposed to be TE1 in 2020 before a knee cut his season short. But now he may not even be available as a backup.
Yesterday I discussed Schultz’s true value and how much Dallas should really spend to keep him. I stand by the assertion that Dalton, while good, has inflated numbers thank to being in this productive Cowboys offense and many other capable tight ends could fill his spot.
Even now, with the threat of Jarwin not playing at all next year, I don’t know that would use the franchise tag on Schultz or pay him the $10 million-plus annually he’ll likely demand in a new contract. It just doesn’t feel like money well spent given all of the other needs Dallas has throughout the roster.
But leverage was already an issue for the Cowboys. With Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson also free agent at receiver and Amari Cooper potentially being released for cap savings, the threat of also losing Schultz has created a compound issue.
Now things are potentially going from bad to worse if Blake Jarwin can’t contribute at all next season. That only strengthens Dalton Schultz’s position and may force the Cowboys to overspend to keep him.
