The Houston Texans are one of the NFL’s fastest-rising teams, and as they continue to build around C.J. Stroud, tough roster decisions must be made. One of those could involve moving Dalton Schultz, their veteran tight end who has been a reliable target but no longer fits into their long-term vision.
Schultz put together a respectable 618-yard, two-touchdown season in 2024, but with Cade Stover now in the fold after being drafted last year, it’s clear the Texans are preparing for the future at the position. Given Schultz’s age (29 by the start of 2025) and his expiring contract, trading him now could give Houston valuable assets while opening the door for a younger, more cost-effective solution.
Why Trading Schultz Makes Sense
At this stage in his career, Schultz is more of a solid complementary piece than a game-changer. That’s not a knock—he’s a sure-handed tight end who finds soft spots in coverage and can move the chains. But the Texans are stacked with young playmakers, and allocating resources to more pressing needs, like adding a premier pass rusher or shoring up the secondary, should be the priority.
There’s also the financial aspect. While Schultz’s contract isn’t an albatross, moving him would clear space for Houston to continue investing in premium positions.
Who Could Use Schultz?
A few teams immediately stand out:
- New York Giants – They’ve lacked a reliable receiving tight end for years, and Daniel Jones (or whoever is under center) could use a safety valve.
- Los Angeles Chargers – New head coach Jim Harbaugh loves tight ends in his system, and Schultz fits the mold of a high-IQ, dependable target.
- Dallas Cowboys – A reunion? Jake Ferguson has been solid, but Schultz already knows the system and could provide immediate impact.
Final Thoughts
The Texans are on the verge of something special, and to keep that momentum going, they must make smart business decisions. Trading Schultz now, while he still has value, could be a win-win—giving Houston assets and sending Schultz to a team that needs him more.
