NFL Rumors: Michael Gallup, Raiders Agree to 1-Year Contract After Cowboys Release

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIApril 29, 2024

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Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup reportedly “plans” to sign a one-year deal worth $3 million with the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Gallup played for Dallas from 2018-2023 after joining the Cowboys as a third-round pick. He broke out in his second NFL season, catching 66 passes for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns. Gallup still fared well the year after even though he played most of the year without quarterback Dak Prescott, who suffered season-ending leg injuries in Week 5. For the year, Gallup snagged 59 more passes for 843 yards and five scores.

In 2021, Gallup suffered a calf injury that kept him out for the first two months of the season. He returned midseason and caught 39 passes for 424 yards and four touchdowns in nine games but suffered a torn ACL against the Arizona Cardinals on Jan. 2, 2022.

The Cowboys still wanted Gallup around long-term and signed him to a five-year, $57.5 million contract.

The former Colorado State star hasn’t been the same since as other Cowboys receivers overtook him on the depth chart. He caught just 39 passes for 424 yards and four scores in 2022 before posting a 34/418/2 stat line in 2023.

Dallas released Gallup in March, saving $9.5 million in cap space.

While Gallup hasn’t returned to his pre-torn ACL form, perhaps a change of scenery is needed. He faced much competition for targets from the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Dalton Schultz or Jake Ferguson and more in Dallas. Perhaps a new spot where he can carve out a new role and thrive is exactly what’s needed.

Granted, he’ll face similar competition for targets in Las Vegas, where Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers sit atop the depth chart at wide receiver and Michael Mayer and rookie Brock Bowers offer solid options at tight end.

Gallup will be favored to win the team’s WR3 position, though it’s still possible that he’ll only be the fourth or fifth option in the team’s passing game.