3 Cowboys who didn't live up to their contract in 2023

1. Michael Gallup, Wide Receiver

It would be hard to find anyone who didn’t have Michael Gallup No. 1 on this list. Once a fan-favorite wide receiver due to his ability to haul in contested passes downfield, Gallup topped 1,000 yards in 2019 while working opposite Amari Cooper. He never recaptured that magic, due in large part to injuries.

The most severe was an ACL tear in January and while he was recovering, the Cowboys and Gallup agreed to a five-year extension worth $62.5 million.

Once he returned in 2022, Gallup managed just 39 receptions for 424 yards and four touchdowns. He was reportedly back to full strength in 2023 but things didn’t improve. Despite being force-fed by Dak Prescott, Gallup had just 34 catches for 418 yards and two touchdowns.

The offense improved when his snap count was reduced. Gallup was released this offseason and while that had to happen, the Joneses did nothing with the freed up money.

Dallas will now lean on third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert as the WR3, assuming CeeDee Lamb is retained. They also have KaVontae Turpin, a return specialist who answered the call whenever he was used on offense.

There’s also rookie sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy. He’s a small-school prospect from Southeast Missouri State who stole the show during minicamp. Perhaps he can find a way to take some snaps from Tolbert.

While questions remain there, the Cowboys had no choice with Gallup. We wish him well with the Las Vegas Raiders but he couldn’t stay under that salary.

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