Should Texans Place Franchise Tag on Dalton Schultz?

The NFL has opened its two-week window for teams to franchise tag one player who is set to become a free agent. Is Dalton Schultz the Houston Texans' best option for a franchise tag?

HOUSTON — Tuesday is the first of several important days in the NFL. Teams can begin using the franchise tag to keep their players from hitting the open market in March. The Houston Texans have 25 pending free agents but two candidates worth a franchise tag — Jonathan Greenard and Dalton Schultz.

Re-signing Greenard to a long-term deal could be more beneficial. The Texans will be able to save nearly $7.0 million based on Greenard's market value ($13.4 million) while re-signing the veteran defensive lineman would keep him paired with Will Anderson Jr. for the foreseeable future.

If the Texans are willing to commit long-term to Greenard, then Schultz would become Houston's lone option. Tagging Schultz would cost the Texans a projected $12.0 million in comparison to the $11.3 million market value, according to Spotrac.

Texans tight end Dalton Schultz scores a touchdown during the second quarter in a 2024 AFC wild-card game at NRG Stadium / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Retaining Schultz would give quarterback C.J. Stroud a chance to continue playing alongside one of his most prominent targets. He established himself as one of Stroud's best options in the passing game, as Schultz posted a career-best 635 yards on 59 catches and five touchdowns. 

"Dalton is a dog, man — a great player, but he’s a great person," Stroud said. "He’s one of the first people that I really bonded with well when I got here, and he was just honest with me. He’s probably the person to keep it really honest.

"He’s somebody who knows how to get open, who knows coverage, who knows route-depth, how to manipulate somebody, how to get into a certain zone at the right time, so he’s just a really smart football player, and I’m really grateful to have him in my first year, learning with him. He’s just going to continue to be a great player."

Should Texans Place Franchise Tag on Jonathan Greenard?

The decision to franchise tag Schultz will give the Texans the chance to retain their top tight end for the upcoming season. Perhaps, it would be in Houston's best interest to bring Schultz back on a short-term deal rather than settling for a long-term commitment.

Placing the franchise tag would give the Texans flexibility to explore a potential upgrade next off-season through the draft or free agency.