Jets Country

New York Jets Listed As Best Fit For Free Agent Tight End Dalton Schultz

ESPN lists the Jets as the best fit to sign free agent tight end Dalton Schultz.

Max Goodman

In this story:

Would Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz be a good fit with the Jets next season?

ESPN seems to think so.

In an article matching the top-50 free agents with the team that makes the most sense, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen linked Schultz with New York.

Here's their analysis on why Schultz makes the most sense to sign with the Jets this offseason (and why he's a solid fit in New York's offensive scheme):

Expect the Jets to be in the market for a safety valve over the middle for Zach Wilson, either in the draft or free agency. Dallas wants to re-sign Schultz, perhaps the most complete tight end in the class, but it can't keep everybody. -- Fowler

Schultz can operate as a middle-of-the-field target for Wilson on play-action throws, and he's slippery after the catch. Schultz plays with good coverage recognition and is a much-needed upgrade at the position in Mike LaFleur's offense. Plus, he is an adequate run blocker. -- Bowen

Schultz, 25, had a career year with Dallas in 2021, racking up 808 receiving yards on 78 receptions with eight touchdowns. 

Pro Football Focus estimates that Schultz will sign a four-year deal this offseason, a contract worth $45 million ($11.25M per year).

READ: Dalton Schultz Shines in Cowboys' Playoff Loss; Should Jets Pounce in Free Agency?

Considering the Jets have a surplus of cap space, they can certainly afford to invest in a top tight end this offseason, improving at a position that's been a weakness for them the last several seasons. 

As Bowen alluded to, a tight end of Schultz's caliber would be a tremendous asset for second-year quarterback Zach Wilson, providing him with another weapon in addition to wideouts Elijah Moore and Corey Davis, along with whoever else the Jets bring in during the draft in April. 

There's a chance New York can also add to their tight end room in the draft, possibly targeting top prospects like Colorado State's Trey McBride. 

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Load Up on Offense in Latest ESPN Two-Round Mock

In addition to Schultz, Mike Gesicki, Rob Gronkowski, David Njoku and more are set to hit the free-agent market this offseason. In this article, ESPN has Gesicki fitting with the Chargers while Gronkowski and Njoku return to their current teams (the Buccaneers and Browns, respectively).

MORE:

Follow Max Goodman on Twitter (@MaxTGoodman), be sure to bookmark Jets Country and check back daily for news, analysis and more.

Published
Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

Home/News