Dalton Schultz is seeking a long-term extension to replace the franchise tag, but he’s not going to risk getting fined for missing practices with the team. With mandatory minicamp taking place this week, Schultz reported on Tuesday.
Had he skipped the three days of minicamp, he would’ve been subject to fines of more than $95,000.
Schultz has made his feeling about the franchise tag known by indicating he does not want to play on the one-year pact, seeking a multi-year deal with the Cowboys. According to Todd Archer of ESPN, talks have “picked up recently,” but “a deal is not considered close.”
Schultz skipped the final week of voluntary OTAs last week and coach Mike McCarthy was unsure if he’d attend minicamp. But despite missing part of the team’s OTAs, McCarthy says he’s been in the building for months.
“Really, Dalton’s been here pretty much the whole offseason going back to February. So, it’s great to have him back, and he’ll get some work today,” the coach said Tuesday.
Last season, Schultz caught a career-high 78 passes for 808 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games, his second straight year with 60-plus catches and 600-plus yards.