Cowboys are about to let perfect Michael Gallup replacement sign with NFC rival

It's befuddling to think that the Dallas Cowboys have only signed one external free agent. In their defense, that signing -- linebacker Eric Kendricks -- could have an enormous impact on the defense given his talent and experience in defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's system.

Still, one outside signing could be considered franchise malpractice given how many losses the Cowboys suffered in free agency. Tyron Smith, Tony Pollard, Dorance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz, Johnathan Hankins, Dante Fowler, and potentially Stephon Gilmore guts Dallas' depth on both sides of the ball.

That doesn't even include Michael Gallup, who was released with a post-June 1 designation. Gallup didn't contribute much last season. In 17 games, he produced 34 catches for 418 yards and two touchdowns. Gallup ended the year on a high note in the playoff loss vs the Packers, but that wasn't enough to buy him another season in Dallas.

The Cowboys could draft a receiver to replace Gallup, but they don't have the luxury of spending a high pick on a wideout thanks to their inactive free agency. Free agency might be the most feasible path to finding a Gallup replacement, and there's one player who'd be a perfect fit in that regard.

Somewhat predictably, Dallas isn't interested.

Cowboys should sign free agent WR Tyler Boyd to replace Michael Gallup.

The Steelers have dropped out of the running to sign Boyd, but Mark Kaboly of The Athletic noted that at least five teams have shown interest in Boyd: the 49ers (!), Lions (!) Dolphins, Chargers and Chiefs. Per reports, Pittsburgh offered Boyd a deal in the two-year, $10 million range, but Boyd rebuffed it.

That would imply Boyd is seeking north of $5 million per year. That might be a little rich for the Cowboys' liking, but that's not stopping fellow NFC contenders like the 49ers and Lions from expressing interest.

It's not like San Francisco is flush with cap space, either. Their $3.676 million in remaining cap room is actually less than what Dallas has, per Over The Cap. The 49ers have Deebo Samuel under contract, but they have to decide whether they want to give Brandon Aiyuk a lucrative extension.

The Lions aren't in dire need of a receiver, but they could use another one after they lost Josh Reynolds in free agency. Both Detroit and San Francisco showing interest is just another example of win-now teams leaving no stone unturned to bolster their rosters after coming up short in the playoffs.

Boyd isn't a transformative talent, but he's been productive throughout his career. He twice posted 1,000 receiving yards before the Bengals drafted Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Since Chase was drafted in 2021, Boyd has averaged 64 catches for 752 yards and four touchdowns as Cincy's No. 3 receiver.

That blows away Gallup's production and he'd have similar usage on the Cowboys alongside CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. Unlike Gallup, the 29-year-old Boyd is capable of playing out wide and in the slot. That would allow Mike McCarthy to be as creative as possible with Lamb.

The Cowboys need to wake up and give Boyd a call before he joins one of the 49ers or Lions, whose rosters are currently better than Dallas' by a significant margin.

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