Context: Wheat fertilization strategies frequently prioritize grain yield (GY) over grain protein content (GPC), despite the critical role of protein in nutritional quality and market value. A systematic understanding of how nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) management can balance these dual goals across diverse cultivars remains limited, particularly in dryland areas. Methods: Over three cropping years (2021-2024), 150 wheat cultivars were grown in multi-site field trials in the drylands of China. Cultivars were classified as low-protein (L-P, GPC <130 g kg(-1)), middle-protein (M-P, 130 <= GPC < 140 g kg(-1)), and high-protein (H-P, GPC >= 140 g kg(-1)) based on stable trait performance. Their responses to N, P, and K fertilization were evaluated for GY, GPC, nutrient requirements and uptake efficiencies, and grain protein productivities. Results: Only 16 cultivars (10.6%) maintained stable protein classifications: 6 L-P, 8 M-P, and 2 H-P, with average GYs of 8.6, 8.1, and 6.8 Mg ha(-1) and GPCs of 119, 131, and 148 g kg(-1), respectively. H-P cultivars maximized GPC (167 g kg(-1) vs.137-146 g kg(-1) for L-P/M-P) at 270 kg N ha(-1) with higher N uptake efficiency (69% vs. 57-58% for L-P/M-P), requiring 15-22% more N, 5-17% more P, and 2-13% more K per Mg grain than L-P/M-P types. L-P/M-P cultivars achieved peak GY (7.8-7.3 Mg ha(-1) vs. 6.8 Mg ha(-1) for H-P) at 220-223 kg N ha(-1) (14-15% lower than H-P) with higher N uptake efficiency (90-91% vs. 73% for H-P), and to achieve the industry GPC thresholds of 130 and 140 g kg(-1), they can sustain peak yield while decreasing the N rate by 14.6%-16.1% to 192 kg ha(-1), with higher grain protein productivity (5.0-5.2 kg kg(-1) vs. 3.0-3.3 kg kg(-1) for their maximum GPC). Conclusions: This study established cultivar-type driven fertilization strategies to reconcile yield-protein trade-offs. To optimize N, P, and K nutrient management, H-P cultivars are suggested to realize their GPC potential and then the GY potential for greater economic benefit, while L-P/M-P cultivars are suitable for achieving the GY potential and meeting the industry GPC threshold. These strategies offer a scalable pathway to optimize both wheat production and economic returns from fertilizer inputs in drylands.