Why re-signing TE Dalton Schultz was offseason priority for Texans

Dalton Schultz is the best tight end the Texans have employed in years.

He spent last season on a one-year, prove-it deal and did exactly that: proved he was worth investing in past just the one season.

Schultz was one of C.J. Stroud's most reliable pass-catchers on the way to becoming Offensive Rookie of the Year last season. He also showed leadership behind the scenes, something both Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans have spoken to.

The Texans rewarded Schultz this offseason with a three-year, $36 million contract with $23.5 million guaranteed. Ryans explained at OTAs earlier this week why it was a priority to re-sign the veteran tight end.

"Getting Dalton [Schultz] was a huge priority for us going into the offseason. He made play after play for us last year at very crucial moments, and just the leader that Dalton is, I don't think he gets enough credit for the leader he is in the locker room and what he brings to our entire team.

"I love calling on Dalton to break the team down because he always has a very great message for the team, always bringing guys back to focus on the main thing: Continuing to improve [and] continuing to grow, continuing 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 we're able to seal the deal."

For his own part, Schultz said he was adamant about staying with the Texans after a successful first season.