With reports that the Cowboys and WR Michael Gallup's agent are in talks this week, it's natural to wonder what the two sides are discussing. It also suggests that Gallup's campaign in Dallas is coming to an end, as has been speculated for some time.
Just two years after signing a five-year contract in 2022, Gallup still hasn't returned to his pre-injury form. A torn ACL that occurred near the end of the 2021 season appears to have permanently damaged Gallup's potential on the field, and there is now speculation about his continued future with the Cowboys. is difficult.
It's no surprise that Gallup's representatives and the front office are in talks ahead of several important dates. If Dallas intends to absorb all of the dead money this offseason, they need to release him by March 18 to avoid a $4 million jump in his guaranteed money. They could still elect to cut him June 1st and take $9.5 million off the 2024 cap, which would probably be the move anyway, but the surprise announcement this year With such a high salary cap, they may have to rethink their strategy.
Cowboys officials spoke with WR Michael Gallup's agent Thursday morning. Nothing has been decided about his future. But one person believes Gallup's market will be healthy if he is released.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) March 1, 2024
This tweet marks the first time in a while that Gallup's name and the word “health” have been shared in a text. The idea that there's much market for him is puzzling given his injury issues and five years removed from just a 1,000-yard season.
There's no question that Gallup and QB Dak Prescott have shown chemistry over the years. They're like Backyard Bowl's best friend. They know what to look for when things get messy. Most of Gallup's best plays last year, albeit limited, came when the initial call broke down or Prescott was deploying to extend the action.
These moments are valuable, but if Gallup isn't effective, most matches won't last. Although he appeared in all 17 games in 2023, he only gained a career-low 418 yards and only two touchdowns. Sure, he lost targets to Brandin Cooks and Jake Ferguson. But given their history, Prescott would definitely go to Gallup more often if he could open up and give them a chance.
Never an outstanding technician, Gallup's game has always been about power and athleticism. But Gallup, now physically limited, can't even compete in single coverage enough to support the offense. It will be difficult to keep giving him snaps at any cost, but hitting his projected $13.85 million cap hit is impossible.
Even if Gallup were willing to take a significant pay cut to stay, would the team really want to halt the progress of Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, Kavonte Turpin, or other potential options? Or? It makes sense to maximize their cap benefits by moving on from Gallup and giving young players room to grow. Even if you still need another veteran on the depth chart, a true slot receiver or someone who still has a clear edge to his game would be a better fit.
The Cowboys' bet on Michael Gallup's recovery from his injury in 2021 clearly didn't work out. It's better to admit it now and move on than to expect a miracle. It's tough, but that's the reality of the game, and there are risks on both sides. So while the team and the people at Gallup are talking, the conversation seems to only go in one direction.
