Michael Gallup might be forced by the Dallas Cowboys to accept a wage reduction or face being cut.
Michael Gallup, a wide receiver with the Dallas Cowboys, is being considered for a cut, but there might be other ways to keep the wideout in Big D. Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus notes that Gallup might be cut, but he also provides a strategy the Cowboys can use to keep Gallup.
The analyst recommended that Gallup drastically cut his 2024 pay from $8.5 million to $4 million. Spielberger also thinks that instead of guaranteed money at the end of Gallup’s contract, the receiver may be converted to void years, which would leave him a free agency in 2025.
In a story titled “Cut candidates for all 32 NFL teams: Jamal Adams, Mike Williams, and more,” published on February 20, 2024, Spielberger stated, “The Cowboys hoped another year of recovery from a torn ACL would help him return to the long-striding body contortionist with great toe-tapping ability near the sideline, but Gallup’s burst just hasn’t looked up to the same standard since his injury.”
Dallas is cutting his pay to just $4 million in this instance. This amount is currently guaranteed for injuries, and it will completely vest a few days into the 2024 league season in March. Furthermore, it’s possible that the contract years 2025 and 2026 are changed to void years.
The five-year, $57.5 million contract for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup is expected to expire in 2026.
There are grounds to believe that during the offseason, the two parties may reach an agreement. Regardless of your stance on Gallup, it is difficult to contest the receiver’s output and justify his $57.5 million, five-year contract.
For the upcoming season, Gallup is expected to have a big $13.5 million cap hit. The amount increases to $15.8 million in 2025 and 2026.
Cowboys Rumors: Is Michael Gallup Willing to Accept a Pay Drop to Prevent Release?
This offseason, Gallup’s contract has an out that would enable the Cowboys to cut the seasoned player. Dallas would still have to bear a $13 million dead cap hit, which presents a dilemma.
Although this would free up very little cap space, it would release Gallup from the Cowboys’ costly contract for the final three years. It seems improbable that Gallup will get an offer comparable to what he is now receiving in Dallas if he decides to suddenly hit the open market. This implies that Gallup might be persuaded to accept the revised contract that PFF proposed.
Since 2020, Gallup has not finished above 500 receiving yards. In 17 games during the previous season, the playmaker recorded 34 receptions for 418 yards and two scores.
The Dallas Cowboys Might Want to Ignore Michael Gallup’s PerformanceÂ
Whatever Gallup’s future holds, the Cowboys need more support at wide receiver to go along with CeeDee Lamb. Although Gallup’s departure may not free up much cap room, it may clear a slot for veterans like Jalen Tolbert or others to enter free agency.
By selecting a receiver with an early draft pick, the position can be filled at the lowest possible cost. This does not ensure instant production in year one, as Tolbert demonstrated in his rookie campaign.
It remains to be seen if Dallas would rather make a clean rupture or engage in negotiations with Gallup. One thing that is becoming very evident is that Gallup is not going to return under the terms of his current contract.
