Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
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Dalton Schultz #86 of the Houston Texans stiff arms Devin White #45 of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Houston Texans are on a roll when it comes to getting deals done this offseason, first sparking their run with a pair of significant trades, extending Danielle Hunter, and also cutting running back Joe Mixon. Next up for the Texans was Dalton Schultz.
Schultz has been with the Texans since 2023. He has developed into one of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s top targets and biggest supporters, as he has shown this offseason.
Fittingly, the Texans are ensuring that continues for the foreseeable future.
Texans Agree to Deal With Dalton Schultz
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
GettyDalton Schultz #86 of the Houston Texans runs out of the tunnel for a game against the Miami Dolphins.
Schultz signed with the Texans in free agency during the 2023 offseason after five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him 137th overall in 2018. He started 51 of 75 games in Dallas.
Schultz’s stay in Houston will now run through at least the 2027 campaign.
“The #Texans and TE Dalton Schultz have agreed to terms on a 1-year extension worth $12.6M, sources say, with $17.6M now guaranteed combining 2026 and 2027,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on March 6.
“The deal, done by @SteveCaric of @Wasserman, rewards another veteran in Houston. First Danielle Hunter, now Schultz.”
Schultz, who turns 30 in July, caught 82 passes for 777 yards and 3 touchdowns last season.
He led the Texans in targets and was second in receptions and yards behind only wide receiver Nico Collins. Schultz added another 59 yards on five receptions in the postseason. He has a 194-1,944-10 line during his Texans tenure.
“Schultz upgraded his blocking last season and improved his productivity after catching 53 passes for 532 yards and two scores two seasons ago,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote.
Dalton Schultz Gets Extension as Predicted
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
GettyDalton Schultz #86 of the Houston Texans runs after catching a pass against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Schultz was on a three-year, $36 million contract with the Texans, and he has earned $46.6 million in his career.
There was a financial aspect for the Texans, who entered the offseason over the salary cap.
“Schultz … was a clear go-to option for C.J. Stroud on a weekly basis,” Spotrac’s Michael Ginniti wrote in January. “He enters a contract year in 2026, set to earn $11.5M against a $16M cap hit. Tacking on 2 years, $30M or so to provide guarantees to Schultz and cap-flexibilty for Houston seems warranted.”
Schultz did not get a second year added on, but he still enters the 2026 offseason with his future on the Texans’ roster seemingly secured.
Dalton Schultz Shoulders Blame for Playoff Loss
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
GettyDalton Schultz #86 of the Houston Texans warms up before taking on the Carolina Panthers.
Schultz exited the Texans’ AFC Divisional Playoffs loss to the New England Patriots, and he lamented the fallout that landed on Stroud as a result.
“Obviously, I think, just the results of that game, it’s hard to pin it all on him. As a player, in my eyes, that game is my fault. I left the game in the first quarter, you know what I mean? That was a big game plan for me, and I wasn’t able to be out there,” Schultz said on SportsRadio 610 in February.
“My process was exactly the same that I’ve done all year, every year. And I look back, and I’m like, ‘Well, shoot. Obviously, I didn’t do enough to get my body where it needed to be in that moment.”
Schultz and Stroud will look to continue their strong on-field connection next season, they hope, as the Texans finally break through to the next round of the playoffs.