So many uncomfortable issues like ego, deceptive negotiating tactics, and honest self-assessment can make or break a contract agreement.
The offer was probably close to fair from the perception of the team as represented by the Jones's. Also, they are probably the more realistic when it comes to Schult's true talent level and value. However, I'm sure any agent is going to look at the market because, most likely, somebody is going pay.
Don't get me wrong. He is a very productive player. Does he deserve to get paid like he's elite, a playmaker? he can get open and he plays well within his system but can he force defenses, even good ones, to dedicate additional help? Is he as big play option in a time of need?
Again, he's efficient, consistent, and reliable and yet, he doesn't belong in the same class as Kelce, Kittle and Andrews.
You never know. Perhaps the market will be disappointing and he stays but I doubt it. There is almost always that one team that sees things differently. It wasn't that long ago when the Cowboys were that team.