Two of the most important pending free agents in Dallas are defensive end Randy Gregory and tight end Dalton Schultz. As ESPN’s Todd Archer writes, each could be franchise tag candidates, as the team faces numerous tough roster decisions. 
[Related: Surgery Update For Cowboys’ Gregory]
Gregory, despite being 29, is set to hit the open market for the first time in his career. After dealing with suspensions and injuries (including a knee problem that required recent surgery), he likely earned himself a payday in 2021, since he posted six sacks (which tied for a career high), along with three forced fumbles in 12 games. Along with DeMarcus Lawrence – who was himself tagged twice by the team, before ultimately signing a long-term extension – and Micah Parsons, Gregory was part of a dominant pass rush for the Cowboys this season.
Archer notes that the tag number for defensive ends is likely to be around $20MM. In part because of that high figure, he writes that “the Cowboys’ hope is that standing by Gregory through his off-field issues… will help them in securing a favorable long-term deal”.
As for Schultz, Archer believes a tag is more likely. The 25-year-old has grown into an important offensive contributor in the last two seasons, especially so in 2021, where he notched 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. A franchise tag for Schultz would cost the team just under $11MM, which is less than what Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry received when they signed with the Patriots in 2021, and, quite possibly, some of the other pending free agents at the position could get this year.
Tagging either one would, of course, leave the team in the position of needing to commit long-term to the other. Given the fact that, as Archer points out, Dallas is currently over the cap by more than $20MM, tough, there will inevitably be holes in the roster to be filled if the Cowboys are to remain Super Bowl contenders.
Personally like to see both back in 2022. Schultz is a security blanket for Prescott something not seen in Dallas for a while. Gregory has finally proven is expectations coming out of college and should be rewarded for turning it around. I feel the Jones boys think they are close to a deeper run so Im thinking they give out a few of those “Jerry bucks” in the coming months to keep as many players as they can?
Schultz is a security blanket for Dakota, but he’s also an absolutely terrible blocker. If it’s Schultz or Gregory, I’m taking Gregory every day of the week. Jarwin is good and a much better blocker.
On a strictly bargain level, it’s hard to see Gregory getting as much guaranteed money as the DE franchise tag on the open market, where Schultz will definitely get more guaranteed money than the TE tag, so if they’re going to use the tag, Schultz makes more sense. But I could definitely see them tagging neither.
I’d let Gregory walk if need be and fill via draft.
You can’t just fill a DE, unless you are at the top of the draft. Most DEs take a year beofre they are contributors. Sign him and focus on OL and secondary.