DeMeco Ryans on TE Dalton Schultz’s return in free agency: ‘Great leader’

The Houston Texans had one of the most successful offseasons in the NFL. They traded for big-name stars, signed some good free agents, built a solid class, and retained guys off their 2023 team. One of the stars from their 2023 season that they re-signed this offseason was tight end Dalton Schultz, who re-signed to a three-year, $36 million contract.

Schultz was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. When speaking with the media, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was excited about being able to bring Schultz back on a multi-year deal after seeing his leadership and playing abilities last season.

“He made play after play for us last year at some very crucial times, and just the leader that Dalton is, I don’t think he gets enough credit for the leader that he is in the locker room and what he brings to our entire team,” Ryans said.

“I love having Dalton break the team down because he always has a really good message for the team, always getting the guys back to focus on the main thing: keep getting better (and) keep growing , continue to compete with themselves so Dalton has been a great leader and also a great playmaker for us, so it was important to get him back and I’m happy that we could get the deal done.”

Schultz is in the prime of his NFL career and, as mentioned, has only played one season so far with the Texans. In his first year in Houston, Schultz compiled 59 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns, but it was his game-clinching play when it mattered most that meant the world to the Texans in 2023.

Schultz has a lot more to give heading into 2024, and if he performs like he did in 2023, it will make the Texans’ offense even scarier to opposing defenses on Sundays.

Stay with TexansGameday for more coverage on the Houston Texans throughout the 2024 season.

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