From depth chart underdog to NFL offensive powerhouse
In short: Dalton Schultz has spent his career navigating the volatile hierarchies of professional football. Once a third-string option for the Dallas Cowboys, he transitioned from a primary blocker to a prolific receiver, eventually becoming a vital target for rookie quarterback C. J. Stroud in Houston.
Dalton Schultz's professional journey is defined by his ability to adapt to changing team roles. After being picked by the Dallas Cowboys during the 2018 NFL Draft's fourth round, he joined a squad dealing with the sudden departures of veteran tight ends Jason Witten and James Hanna. Initially serving as a third-string option behind Geoff Swaim and Blake Jarwin, Schultz's opportunity arrived following injuries and roster shifts. By 2020, he emerged as a primary target, recording 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns, becoming only the second tight end in Cowboys history to reach 70 receptions in a single season.
His career has been marked by significant statistical peaks and physical challenges. During his 2020 breakout, Schultz proved to be a red zone specialist, scoring seven touchdowns in the final nine games of the season. However, his momentum was hampered by a recurring PCL injury that he reaggravated across multiple games. This period also saw increased competition for snaps as the Cowboys integrated rookie tight ends Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot into the offense.
In 2023, Schultz moved to the Houston Texans, where he became a trusted target for rookie C. J. Stroud. During that campaign, he achieved a rare feat by recording 10 receptions for 130 yards in a single game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the second tight end in Texans history to do so. His consistent performance led to a three-year, $36 million contract extension in March 2024, and he continued to evolve through the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Dalton Schultz
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-dalton-schultz.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
