4 teams that could sign Michael Gallup after Cowboys release

After celebrating the signings of linebacker Eric Kendricks and re-signing of cornerback Jourdan Lewis, Dallas Cowboys fans were dealt a double whammy when the team released wide receiver Michael Gallup with a post-June 1 designation and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch with a failed physical designation.

Neither move was surprising, but that doesn't make it any less saddening. Both drafted in 2018, Gallup and Vander Esch were two of the longest-tenured Cowboys. While Vander Esch could be forced to retire after his latest neck injury, Gallup's career is seemingly very far from being over.

Gallup couldn't be relied on to produce week in and week out, but there should be a market for his services. If not for his contract, Dallas would have kept him. His days of being 1,000-yard receiver are likely behind him after his knee injury, but he only just turned 28 and still has tremendous hands and leaping ability.

With that in mind, let's explore some teams that could pursue the former Cowboy now that he's a free agent.

4. New York Jets

The Jets might have the worst collection of wide receivers in the league. While Garrett Wilson is already a star, Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson and Jason Brownlee are the only options behind him. Lazard was borderline unplayable last season, while Gipson and Brownlee are both recent undrafted free agents.

That's nowhere near good enough for the Super Bowl-hopeful Jets. Even post Achilles surgery, Aaron Rodgers is likely still a top-10 quarterback, but he needs more help. Signing Gallup wouldn't completely answer New York's questions at receiver, but he'd at least paper over some of the cracks.

If there's any QB that can maximize Gallup's unique skillset, it's Rodgers. Though he struggles to create separation, Gallup can still bring down contested catches with the best of them. As arguably the most accurate quarterback in the game, Rodgers could help spring new life into Gallup.

The Jets have limited resources at their disposal, but Gallup should be extremely cheap given his production, or lack thereof, in recent seasons.