Sources believe Schultz
will be back in Houston one way or another. If the Texans can't come to terms on a multi-year deal in the 27-year-old's ballpark, there's a decent chance he would be franchise-tagged to secure him for next season.
Schultz isn't alone. The feeling around Indy was that
running back Devin Singletary would also return for a second season. He and Schultz signed near the end of free agency but were arguably two of the biggest x-factors in helping Stroud win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Singletary rushed for a career-high 896 yards and four touchdowns once taking over for Dameon Pierce as the lead back. He mentioned during exit interviews that he'd love to return to a "rising franchise with a great atmosphere," but it'd have to be for the right price.
“Devin is a great guy. We’ll see what happens in free agency, but we’d love to have Devin back just because of what he brought to our team," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said during pressers. "He was definitely a bright spot for us in that running back room.”
Among other potential returnees,
linebacker Blake Cashman, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and cornerback Steven Nelson all have mutual interest, but no deal is imminent.
It is unclear if defensive end Jonathan Greenard would return for less than the going rate for edge rushers, but
KPRC2 reported there's interest from both sides.