Cowboys reportedly finalize massive five-year deal with Michael Gallup

Just one day after reports that the team is making a trade with the Cleveland Browns for wide receiver Amari Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys are now allegedly signing Michael Gallup to a massive deal. NFL’s Ian Rapoport reported that the team is giving the currently hurt receiver a five-year contract worth $62.5 million. Gallup was set to hit free agency this offseason after his rookie contract with the team expired. Now, it seems he will be staying in Dallas for a while.

The Colorado State product was a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. In his time with Dallas, he has remained a crucial part of the wide receiver corps making acrobatic plays in key moments. Gallup has been a consistent deep threat for Dak Prescott. In four seasons with the Cowboys, Gallup has collected 193 catches, 2902 yards, and 15 touchdowns.

This highly lucrative contract may be a surprise to some given the 2021 season was filled with challenges for Gallup. The receiver missed seven games with a calf injury at the beginning of the year. Then, he tore his ACL while catching a touchdown in the Week 17 contest against the Arizona Cardinals knocking him out for the final regular-season game and the team’s short-lived postseason appearance.

NFL’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Dallas Cowboys are giving wide receiver Michael Gallup a five-year contract worth $62.5 million

While you’d think the team would exercise caution on a player who had multiple injuries in the previous season, the positive outlook for Gallup’s post-surgery recovery may have played a factor in this contract. Gallup underwent surgery for his ACL on February 10.

Less than two weeks later, PFF’s Doug Kyed reported that the Cowboy was expected to be 100% by August. This felt like a shockingly fast recovery window given the Mayo Clinic says that ACL injuries take anywhere from eight to 12 months to fully heal from. Clearly, the front office felt good enough about Gallup’s outlook and future to sign him to this large of a contract.

While the deal has not been made official by the Cowboys organization, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported that $27 million of the over $62 million deal is guaranteed. With Lamb and Gallup likely staying in Dallas, who will take Cooper’s place in WR Trio? Cedrick Wilson? A free agent? A draftee? Only time will tell.