5 key players the Dallas Cowboys might lose this off-season
Having a competitive team in sports is great, but keeping the team competitive over a long period of time is very difficult. Every team watches some of their players walk away in free agency every season. The player could be too expensive, have a replacement step in, or not be the right fit for the team.
The Dallas Cowboys are among the NFL’s top teams. Their offense continues to put up numbers, and the defense went from being historically bad to one of the best. Unfortunately, there is a chance some key players will put on a different jersey to start the 2022 season.
5 players the Dallas Cowboys are at risk of losing this off-season
123. . . . Michael Gallup, WR. 5. player
Everyone underappreciated wide receiver Michael Gallup since he got drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, even though he has been a key contributor every season. With 2021 being the last season of his rookie contract, the Colorado State product could be playing elsewhere next season.
Gallup was never the go-to wideout, including during his rookie season before the Cowboys traded for star wideout Amari Cooper. That never stopped him from being a lethal vertical threat.
He may be one of the better complimentary wide receivers right now. Gallup is not the most versatile wideout, but he excels at what he does.
Quarterback Dak Prescott’s favorite downfield target averages 15.0 yards per catch in his career, albeit averaging only 11.9 yards per catch this season. Nevertheless, he has continued to contribute since returning from his calf injury.
Michael Gallup is just 25, has a 1,000-yard season under his belt and is scheduled to be a free agent in March.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 3, 2021
If he hits the open market, some team is going to get a major baller. pic.twitter.com/6g47yKNQCy
Gallup has been utilized on underneath throws more often than he is used to, but it has worked out in his favor. He is catching 4.29 passes per game, which is his second-most receptions next to his 1,000-yard 2019 season.
He also continues to be leaned on for sideline catches. His toe-tapping ability is not only very entertaining to watch but has also allowed the offense to march downfield late in the second and fourth quarters.
Spotrac estimates Michael Gallup’s market value at a four-year deal averaging $11.7 million. That would place him 22nd in the NFL among the highest-paid wide receivers annually.
He deserves WR2 money, and that is what he will get. If owner Jerry Jones wants his offense to continue its dominance, he can re-sign Gallup on a 2-year deal. However, when CeeDee Lamb’s contract expires three years from now, Gallup has no room to remain with the team.