Cowboys’ Michael Gallup hypes up Cedrick Wilson ahead of free agency

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup has a lot going on right now. He finally underwent surgery for his ACL tear on Feb. 10. He is trying to figure out if he will remain in Dallas next year. And, he is hearing swirling rumors from around the league about where he will end up in free agency.

Before his big procedure, Gallup was a guest on “The Ocho,” a Blogging The Boys podcast. Blogging The Boys is a Dallas Cowboys blog for SB Nation, and the podcast is hosted by RJ Ochoa. Ochoa, of course, tried to get Gallup to open up about free agency and asked if he has any inclination as to where he might be headed. The receiver said his first priority was getting through his surgery.

On free agency, the answer wasn’t quite helpful: “I actually don’t know. I have no clue. I wish I could tell you guys because really, I want to know.” In other words, we don’t know any more than we did before.

He did, however, offer some perspective about offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Moore’s return to the Cowboys is getting mixed reviews. But Gallup seems to think it’s a great choice:

"“I enjoy what kellen does i like what he does. He puts everybody in different spots. He lets us be free. But he also listens to us. If we want a route or want to call a play, he lets us do it. It’s good for me to hear that he’s coming back. If I am back, that’s a big plus for me.”"

Cowboys free-agent wide receiver Michael Gallup gives endorsement to fellow WR Cedrick Wilson on a podcast

Gallup also admitted that having to sit out for a good portion of the season was both challenging and gave him a new perspective on football. He got to watch the game rather than being engulfed in it. Bouncing off of that new perspective, Ochoa asked the receiver if there was any player who he felt stood out but wasn’t getting as much credit as deserved.

Gallup was quick to name Cedrick Wilson. Wilson was the man who stood up in Gallup’s absence multiple times this year and had a breakout season. Wilson also happens to be a free agent who will now have a larger price tag due to his strong year. But that price tag won’t be anywhere near Gallup’s.

According to Spotrac, Gallup is estimated to get around a four-year, $11 million a year deal. Given the Cowboys’ struggling cap space situation, many believe Dallas won’t be able to afford the starting receiver next year. Wilson has often been discussed as a welcome, wise replacement given he already has experience with Dak Prescott and has proven his potential.

In Gallup’s absence, Wilson shined. With only four games started, Wilson had 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns. He didn’t feel like a replacement at all to Cowboys Nation or Gallup. Here’s what Gallup had to say about Wilson:

"“He was drafted the same year I was. But he got to play a lot this year and he did exactly what I expected him to do. I’ve been going against him for four years at junior college and then when we went to Mountain West together. Watching him play his game and letting him get his shine. He deserved it he worked hard for it. So that was definitely a player that I enjoyed watching.”"

That’s high praise for a guy who may very well be taking Gallup’s spot in the Cowboys’ starting WR trio. We wish Gallup was able to give up more of an inkling on where he is leaning in free agency, but we also get his desire to prioritize getting healthy before thinking about where his paycheck is going to be coming from. As seen in the tweet above, Gallup has been vocal about his support for Wilson. Only time will tell where the two suit up next season.