The former third-round pick, Michael Gallup, has been given the big bucks and a five-year contract, despite not being the number one receiver for The Cowboys. Gallup’s rookie deal was up at the end of the 2021 season. The Dallas Cowboys have rewarded Gallup with a huge five-year deal worth up to $62.5 million. The deal also includes a $10 million signing bonus. Dallas traded away Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns a day earlier.
On March 20th, Cooper would have been guaranteed his base salary of $20 million. This trade saved The Cowboys $16 million in cap space. Gallup will return to The AT&T Stadium for the 2022 season as the number two receiver in a younger WR set that is led by CeeDee Lamb.
Injury Filled Road To The Deal
2021 was a frustrating season for the 26-year-old, due to injury. Gallup only played nine games through the 2021 season due to injury. During his first three seasons in the league, he only missed two games.
In the season opener at Tampa, he suffered a calf strain. He did not return until week 10. Unfortunately, Gallop’s season ended in heartbreak after he suffered a horrific ACL injury. He suffered the injury while scoring a touchdown in a loss to the Cardinals. Gallup underwent surgery in early February. Dallas is confident that he will be back for the start of the 2022 season starting in September.
Why Signing Gallup Is Important
In four seasons, Gallup has produced 193 catches for 2,902 yards and 15 touchdowns, including a 1,000-yard season in 2020. Gallup is only one of two receivers for the Cowboys to have a 1,000-yard season, with 5+ touchdowns and 65 catches before the age of 23. He seems to be The Cowboy’s best deep threat with forty-five 20+ yard catches in the four seasons with Dallas; while also averaging 15 yards per catch.
Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup know where they will be playing next season. Dallas unfortunately has lost their battle for Cedrick Wilson. Wilson signed with the Miami Dolphins on a three-year, $22.8 million deal. The Cowboys remained optimistic about re-signing the former sixth-round pick to a long-term contract but not anymore. Wilson finished the 2021 season strong and had a career-high game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18 finishing the game with 119 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson finished the season with 602 yards and six touchdowns on 45 receptions.
With the loss of Cooper and now Wilson, Gallup’s role increases majorly. Wilson was a good backup to provide relief on this receiving core. Without him, Gallup and Lamb now have to step up. This receiving core is going to look a little bit different on opening day.
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