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Schultz was a reliable target for C.J. Stroud in 2025, catching 82 passes, third-most among TEs. But he still lacks the efficiency and playmaking to be a consistent fantasy starter, especially after scoring just 3 TDs. He's a solid TE2.
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Schultz caught 82 passes (third among TEs) on 106 targets (sixth) for 777 yards (sixth) and 3 TDs (23rd) across 17 games, totaling 177.7 PPR fantasy points (10th) and 10.45 per game (15th).
He posted seven top-10 weekly finishes, two of those were among the top 5.
Schultz was a true workhorse, playing 589 pass snaps, sixth most among TEs
He split time between inline and slot alignments. He had 332 inline snaps (second) with a 56.4% inline rate (13th). He also had 190 slot snaps (21st) with a 32.3% slot rate (33rd).
He ranked 14th in PFF receiving grade.
His 106 targets ranked sixth at the position, but his 6.6-yard average depth of target ranked 22nd. That checked in more than a yard shorter than either of his two previous Texans seasons and was Schultz’s shortest aDOT since his 2018 rookie campaign.
The efficiency picture for Schultz shows that he sits more as a TE2 than his raw 2025 fantasy output.
His 1.56 yards per route run ranked 19th among TEs. That’s the highest YPRR of his career. He also ranked second on the team after Nico Collins (2.35).
A lack of after-catch ability contributed to this with Schultz’s 4.4 yards after catch per reception ranking 35th. His yards after catch over expected of -0.2 (24th) confirms that lack of dynamic ability after the catch.
Houston ranked eighth in pass attempts and 16th in pass rate (57.4%), operating as a relatively balanced offense. The Texans ran 64.0 plays per game (sixth), giving Stroud a reasonable number of opportunities.
Houston ranked 19th in neutral pass rate (54.5%), and 20th in pass rate over expected (-4.29%) in 2025.
The Texans directed 23.8% of targets to the TE position (ninth), so the drop in pass rate didn’t affect Schultz much. The team also increased their pass attempts in 2025 despite the dropping pass rates. That 23.8% represented a bump from 2024 (21.4%) and 2023 (20.3%).
Schultz has been a reliable TE over his three years in Houston. He showed the ability to rise to a low-end TE1 with enough TDs (5 in 2023 compared to 3 in 2025):
Schultz saw a target share boost under OC Will Caley in 2025 that helped fuel his production:
Gaining a higher target share and converting that into yards gave Schultz a safe TE2 environment in 2025. He showed similar production in 2023 (with more TDs) and fills the short to intermediate role in the offense well. Schultz profiles as a solid TE2 whose fantasy value is driven more by volume than playmaking.
Schultz returns as Houston's unquestioned TE1 with very little competition at the position.
The Texans did sign Foster Moreau and draft Marlin Klein in the second round. But Klein likely profiles as a developmental TE to take over when Schultz’s contract runs out after 2027.
OC Nick Caley's first season as OC in 2025 produced a balanced offense by most measures. The pass rate (57.4%) and neutral pass rate (54.5%) both dropped in 2025 from Slowik’s previous years. The team’s pass attempts increased last year despite the rate drop.
Schultz has continued to produce despite the neutral pass rate with the team targeting the TE often.
The Texans directed 23.8% of targets to the TE position (ninth), so the drop in pass rate didn’t affect Schultz much. That 23.8% was higher than 2024 (21.4%) and 2023 (20.3%). That compares to WRs earning 62.3% (eighth) RBs got the short end of the share at 13.9% (29th).
The strong TE target share benefits Schultz who has been the reliable short to intermediate receiving option for the Texans over the past three seasons.
Schultz’s ceiling case starts with maintaining last year’s target share, which enjoyed a boost over his previous two Houston seasons.
Beyond that, he’d need better TD luck. That helped drive his TE11 ranking in PPR points per game in 2023 (his first Texans campaign) and TE5 with the Cowboys in 2021. Schultz did garner nine end-zone targets in 2023 -- Stroud’s rookie season -- vs. nine combined over the past two years, according to PFF.
Schultz finished two of the past three seasons among the top 10 tight ends in total PPR points and among the top 16 in points per game. In between came a TE31 finish in points per game.
TDs drove his 2023 production. Target volume led the way in 2025. The latter could easily dissipate if the young Houston receivers improve this year. Frankly, Houston probably hopes it doesn’t need to target Schultz as much, because he’s more outlet than playmaker.
If depressed target volume meets with modest TD production, he could wind up a forgettable 2026 contributor.
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Texans Draft TE Marlin Klein at No. 59
Texans Draft TE Marlin Klein at No. 59
The Texans selected Michigan TE Marlin Klein with the 59th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Klein grew up in Germany playing soccer before moving to the United States in high school to pursue football. A three-star recruit, he landed at Michigan as a raw prospect. He replaced Colston Loveland in 2025, but injuries limited him to a 24-248-1 receiving line. Even so, he ranks among the best athletes in the class. Among the 27 TEs invited to the NFL Combine, Klein ranked fourth in 2025 average depth of target (8.6), and 17th in team market share of receiving yards (13.4%). He ranked 18th in 2025 receiving yards per team pass attempt (1.01) and 12th in yards per route run (1.53).
Nico Collins Concussed
Nico Collins Concussed
Texans WR Nico Collins sustained a concussion in Monday night's Wild Card win over the Steelers. He had trouble getting off the field and was carted back to the locker room. It's Collins' first documented concussion, but it'll be a challenge for him to clear protocol before Sunday's game vs. the Patriots. We'll keep you updated on his progress. Houston got an out-of-nowhere 144-yard game from WR Christian Kirk in Pittsburgh. He'll be joined by Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson as the Texans' top three WRs if Collins is out this weekend. TE Dalton Schultz would also be a candidate for more work.
Dalton Schultz Rebounds in Week 10
Dalton Schultz Rebounds in Week 10
Texans TE Dalton Schultz posted 6 receptions for 77 yards in Sunday's loss to the Broncos. He led the team in receiving yards while ranking second in targets and catches.
Dalton Schultz Active
Dalton Schultz Active
Texans TE Dalton Schultz (knee, shoulder) is active for today’s game vs. the Broncos. He only practiced on Friday, so it’s safe to assume he won’t be at 100% for this one. Schultz isn’t a recommended Week 9 fantasy start.
Dalton Schultz Expected To Play Week 9
Dalton Schultz Expected To Play Week 9
Texans TE Dalton Schultz (knee, shoulder) is expected to play vs. the Broncos today, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Schultz didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday but put in a full workout on Friday. The knee and shoulder injuries still add risk to Schultz, who also faces Denver's seventh-ranked TE defense. He's not a recommended fantasy start this week.
See whether Dalton Schultz is available in your leagues.
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