The former Dallas Cowboys receiver, Michael Gallup, is set to sign a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders worth up to $3 million. Gallup, who has spent his entire six-year NFL career with the Cowboys after being drafted in the third round in 2018, is looking for a fresh start with a new team. He had a standout season in 2019, setting career-high marks in targets, catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns. However, injuries plagued him in 2021, with a calf injury causing him to miss significant time followed by a torn ACL that ended his season early.
Despite the Cowboys signing Gallup to a lucrative five-year extension in 2022, his production dipped in the following seasons. In 2023, he only recorded 34 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns, making him the team’s fourth-leading receiver. Dallas decided to cut Gallup this offseason, creating cap space and freeing up the team to explore other options. Gallup will now join a talented receiving corps in Las Vegas alongside Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Tre Tucker, as well as strong tight ends in Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers.
The move to the Raiders signals a fresh start for Gallup, who will have the opportunity to contribute to a new team and potentially revitalize his career. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have had a quiet offseason, losing more players than they have gained. Their biggest acquisitions have been in the running back room, with the signings of veteran Royce Freeman and the return of former All-Pro Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys’ wide receiver room now consists of CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, and several unproven players.
Gallup’s departure marks the end of an era for the Cowboys, who had high hopes for the receiver when they drafted him in 2018. While his time in Dallas was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, Gallup showed flashes of brilliance that earned him a lucrative contract extension. With the Cowboys moving on from Gallup, they now have the opportunity to rebuild their receiving corps and find new playmakers to complement Lamb and Cooks. The Raiders, on the other hand, add a proven talent to their roster and look to benefit from Gallup’s experience and skills.
As the NFL offseason continues, teams are making moves to strengthen their rosters and prepare for the upcoming season. For Gallup, the move to the Raiders represents a new chapter in his career and a chance to showcase his abilities in a new environment. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will look to regroup and fill the void left by Gallup’s departure, as they aim to remain competitive in a tough NFC East division. With changes on the horizon, both teams will be closely watched as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with the ever-evolving landscape of professional football.
