Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Gallup could find himself the odd man out in a talented receiving group, but if he were to leave “America’s Team,” what would be his potential landing spots? Which teams might be interested in acquiring Gallup if he hits the free-agent market this season?
Could the Cowboys retain Michael Gallup?
Gallup’s career in Dallas has been somewhat intriguing. As a rookie, he played 68.7% of the offensive snaps, racking up over 500 yards with 2 touchdowns. He then improved on those numbers in his second season (1,107 receiving yards and 6 TDs). Unfortunately, the arrival of CeeDee Lamb in 2020 left Gallup in a state of limbo.
In his third season, his receptions per game dropped from 4.7 to 3.7, and his yards per game dropped by more than 25 (from 79.1 to 52.7). Having Gallup as a third receiving option is a wonderful luxury for the Cowboys. However, with Ezekiel Elliott and Amari Cooper on big contracts — and Lamb having been selected in the first round — it seems unlikely the Cowboys look to sign Gallup for the long haul.
The intriguing element with Gallup is the price he will command. He has never caught more than 59% of his targets in a given season. His drop rate has also been above 5% in each of his first three seasons, rising as high as 9.7% in his second year. All of that limits the upside on his contract, while also making it less likely the Cowboys keep him around.
Let’s take a look at Gallup’s potential landing spots if he does reach free agency in 2022.
Michael Gallup’s potential landing spots
Which teams could be interested in Gallup if he hits the open market next season? Here are a few clubs that make sense as destinations.
The Houston Texans could look to add Gallup as their secondary receiving option
There is no way around it — the Houston Texans have to invest in another weapon for whomever their QB is next season. Brandin Cooks is a great receiver, but without a weapon that causes defenses a problem opposite him, he can be easy to neutralize with double-teams.
The Texans drafted Nico Collins in the 2022 NFL Draft and might view him as their No. 2 wideout. Collins has played on 55% of the snaps for the Texans but has just 29 targets for 18 receptions and 228 receiving yards. He has not been convincing as a secondary option, so how he performs down the stretch of the season could determine how willing the Texans are to invest at the WR position this offseason.
Could the Kansas City Chiefs be an ideal landing spot for Gallup?
The Chiefs’ WR depth chart is something of a mess. They have Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, but there is little that moves the needle beyond that. Additionally, the only receivers set to be under contract in 2022 are Hill and Mecole Hardman. Therefore, the Chiefs could use a veteran secondary pass catcher like Gallup.
The issue for the Chiefs is a roster that’ll have significant holes next offseason. They have also signed some large contracts, so they may be priced out of his market depending on Gallup’s asking price. Gallup playing alongside Hill, Kelce, and Hardman would make the Chiefs’ offense even more explosive than it already is.
The Indianapolis Colts could use a complementary piece to Michael Pittman Jr.
The Colts need to address their WR group this offseason. Michael Pittman Jr. has broken out, but Parris Campbell looks like a pick that isn’t going to work. With T.Y. Hilton set to become a free agent, it seems unlikely he remains in Indianapolis. Given his injury concerns, the Colts will need another option even if he does re-sign.
Additionally, Zach Pascal is set to leave this offseason, leaving the Colts with a hole in their offense at receiver. Indianapolis has plenty of cap space to play with this offseason, but they will have to make some tough choices. They have players leaving at tackle, pass rusher, and cornerback, as well as wide receiver.
New Orleans will likely be heavily involved in the WR market this offseason
At this point, it seems unlikely that Michael Thomas will remain in New Orleans. Without Thomas, the Saints would have no clear No. 1 WR, so they should enter the offseason looking to invest in one. The problem they have is cap space concerns once again.
If the Saints can get creative and find a way to attract a WR1, Gallup would fit the mold. His career numbers mean he would not require a typical WR1 contract, but he has the talent. He could be the perfect option for the Saints to target this offseason.
The Cleveland Browns could be an intriguing landing spot for Gallup
The Browns are going to have several questions to answer at WR this offseason. They have already moved on from Odell Beckham Jr., and Jarvis Landry could also be on the way out this year. Rashard Higgins is a free agent, too, leaving Cleveland with limited remaining options.
If Landry does leave, the Browns’ leading receivers would be Donovan Peoples-Jones and Anthony Schwartz. Ja’Marcus Bradley has been utilized over the past two games, but his role diminished in Week 12. Unless Bradley, Peoples-Jones, and Schwartz can finish the season strong, the Browns should be in the WR market this offseason.