irving, texas — The decision regarding Michael Gallup's future is no longer in front of the Dallas Cowboys, but right in front of them. The veteran wide receiver has been given permission to seek a trade, according to multiple reports, as he is caught between lackluster production and the team's salary cap issues this offseason.
In his remarks at the 2024 NFL Combine, owner and general manager Jerry Jones confessed that no decisions had been made regarding Gallup at the time. This statement primarily hinted at the possibility of a substantial separation if a solution could not be agreed.
Jones said in February: “It's something we'll go over with him, but we won't say anything unless he's involved. We'll sit down and have some discussions with him before we talk about what we'll do. We need to talk about it,” he said. Do it or not? ”
The topic of a potential trade was certainly brought up during the 2023 regular season, but was ultimately put on hold until the offseason, and is now being revisited and gaining attention.
If a trading partner cannot be found, Gallup could be released as liable for compensation.
The 28-year-old is currently scheduled to hit the Cowboys' salary cap in the final two years of a five-year contract for a total of $45.6 million over the next two seasons ($13.85 million in 2024 and $15.85 million annually thereafter). be. Filled out in March 2022.
This is a blockbuster hit that is not justified by usage or production trends, and Gallup continues to be a consummate pro and mentor to young receivers even while fighting back from a torn ACL in 2021. But the numbers are working too wildly to play against him after the 2023 season.
Whether it's a trade or a release, the Cowboys are looking for significant cap savings.
Savings through 2026 season:
- Before June 1st: Total $19.45 million
- From June 1st: Total $32.5 million
Discount for 2024 season only:
- Before June 1st: $800,000
- After June 1st:9.5 million dollars
*Illustration provided by Overthecap.com
It's clear the front office is playing the long game in this situation and is clearly trying to collect as much savings as possible for the 2025 season and beyond, assuming a trade occurs. . When next season begins, long-standing contracts will be restructured.
Otherwise, Gallup could push its release after June 1st, which would save it about $8.8 million more in 2024, which is a huge difference to consider. is.
They will be forced to absorb $13 million in dead money this season on transfers/picks before June 1st, but only $400 million in dead money on transfers/picks after June 1st. This decreases to $1,000,000.
If Gallup can facilitate a deal, it would be a move before June 1st based on timing, so this cap science is just for informational purposes. He could be designated as a post-June 1 transfer only if he is released because the Cowboys cannot find a suitor who would send compensation to acquire him.
Simply put, trading now will save you a little money now and more later, but releases labeled for release later will save you more money now and even more later. Save money.
Gallup, a third-round pick out of Colorado State in 2018, immediately made an impact as he racked up over 500 yards as a rookie, setting the stage for a career-best second year. He had 1,107 receiving yards and six touchdowns for the Three-Headed Hydra, which also featured CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper.
Cooper could be traded in 2022 and Gallup could be the next one two years later, while Lamb has emerged as arguably the league's best receiver heading into a contract that could be market-defining in the near future.
But with Brandin Cooks, acquired in a trade last spring, entering the final year of his contract, the question of who will team up with Lamb long-term will now take center stage. And questions remain about the trajectory of some of the less established (read: younger) receiving talent on the roster, including Jalen Tolbert, Cavontate Turpin and rookie Jalen Brooks.
There are other players who need to be explained. Jalen Cropper (also a 2023 rookie), David Darden (rookie returning from season-ending injured reserve), Lacey McMath (signed to a futures contract), Martavious Bryant (signed to a futures contract) It is. The deal comes after he showed positive signs on the practice squad after returning to the NFL last year).
As we'll see in a moment, aside from Tolbert's 180-degree reversal from Year 1 to Year 2 and Turpin's promise when his number is called offensively, there are still unanswered questions here. .
Does this mean the Cowboys can address their free agency position?
It's not impossible, but even if Gallup doesn't count as one, the number of bodies they currently have at the position, and the fact that they have more pressing positions, and player contracts ( Note that the current expiration date has expired.
But it's understandable that they would be interested in what the 2024 NFL Draft looks like, even if it's a mid-round pick rather than a first- or second-round pick.
Gallup and Tolbert were both selected in the third round, so keep that in mind.
A new start outside of Dallas could potentially await Gallup. During his 67 game starts with the Cowboys, he had 266 receptions for 21 touchdowns and 3,144 total receiving yards. And he left behind an unforgettable list of highlights.
