NFL rumors: Kellen Moore could steal key Cowboys free agent for Chargers

Could the Dallas Cowboys see former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore steal this free agent and bring them to the Los Angeles Chargers?

The Dallas Cowboys have another season in the books in which they failed to make it to the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl. Early on in their offseason, they have made numerous changes to their coaching staff, with the biggest change being at offensive coordinator. Kellen Moore and the Cowboys have made the decision to part ways. It didn’t take long for Moore to find a new landing spot, as he was hired by the Los Angeles Chargers to be their new offensive coordinator.

With Moore joining Los Angeles, could he try to steal a Cowboys player away in free agency?

ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote an article about the best fits for the top 50 free agents available this offseason (subscription required). For Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz, the article listed the Chargers as the best fit.

"“Some roster cuts are anticipated in L.A., which will help the team out with the cap — and maybe open the door for Schultz to play for Kellen Moore, his former offensive coordinator in Dallas,” writes Bowen. “In Moore’s system, Schultz. could be used as a seam stretcher for quarterback Justin Herbert, with catch-and-run opportunities on play-action and boot. His regular-season production in 2022 was slowed by a knee injury, but the tight end logged 12 receptions for 122 yards and three touchdowns in the Cowboys’ two playoff games.”"

ESPN lists Chargers as best fit for Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz in free agency

Reuniting with Moore would be a solid move for the Chargers. Not to mention that he could be quite the security blanket for quarterback Justin Herbert. But, that would depend on what the Chargers would offer, as they are currently $19.92 million over the salary cap threshold as of this writing, per Spotrac.

Speaking of Spotrac, they are listing Schultz’s market value at a $15.1 million annual salary on a four-year, $60.59 million contract.

Schultz was selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Stanford. After the first two seasons, Schultz’s role in the passing offense increased, and he became a reliable option downfield. The Cowboys used their franchise tag on Schultz last offseason, where he earned $10.9 million for the 2022 season.

According to FanSided’s national NFL reporter Matt Verderame, his understanding is that the Cowboys are unlikely to use the franchise tag on Schultz for the second consecutive year, setting him up to enter free agency.

In his Cowboys career, Schultz recorded 211 receptions for 2,122 yards and 17 touchdowns on 301 targets.

With free agency negotiation period beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET on March 13, it will be interesting to see where Schultz ends up.