While most of the NFL‘s best free-agent wide receivers have solidified their 2024 destinations, Michael Gallup has officially entered the market.
The veteran Dallas Cowboys wide receiver was released Friday in a salary cap move. This decision helps the franchise open up approximately $9.5 million in cap space.
But what teams can potentially open up their wallets and pursue the former 1,000-yard wide receiver? Let’s take a dive.
Michael Gallup Free Agency Fits
Gallup just four years ago racked up 1,107 yards for Dallas, so he has a history of making plays on the field. However, he’s not expected to command a big market because he hasn’t caught more than 40 passes in the last two seasons. Still, there are receiver-needy teams out there like these potential fits.
Philadelphia Eagles Presents Major Reunion
This free agency period has seen players join rivals. But the Philadelphia Eagles check off several boxes for Gallup.
First things first, the offensive coordinator behind his breakout 2019 is there in former Cowboys assistant Kellen Moore. A reunion gives Gallup familiarity with his system.
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Second, Philly signed DeVante Parker to add to the receiver room, but he’s another player who’s had a career drop-off since ’19 and has an injury history.
Lastly, Gallup has the potential to fortify this WR group with DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown already in place. Philly allows Gallup to at least be a No. 3 receiving option.
Los Angeles Chargers Suddenly in Need of WR After Huge Trade
There will be new competition for the title of WR1 when the Los Angeles Chargers report to training camp. Longtime franchise leader Keenan Allen is off to the Chicago Bears as of Thursday following the late evening trade for a fourth-rounder.
And this place gives Gallup a huge opportunity to potentially be more than a third or even a secondary receiving option.
Right now, the Chargers are left with oft-injured Josh Palmer and 2023 rookie disappointment Quentin Johnston. Wide receiver help is greatly needed.
Granted, new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz could make a swing for a WR at No. 5 in the NFL Draft. But still, this is a unit now needing veteran help. Gallup can come in and provide that.
Jacksonville Jaguars Have Opening Following Stunning WR Loss
Before Allen was traded, the most stunning offseason move involving a wide receiver was the Jacksonville Jaguars losing Calvin Ridley to a $92 million offer from the rival Tennessee Titans.
Does this create a major hole in the WR room that the Jags need to fill soon?
The franchise did sign Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay before the Ridley deal surfaced on Wednesday. However, both have had their up-and-down league moments, and Duvernay is considered more of a special teams addition.
Gallup can come in and possibly work his way to a WR2 or even higher with Ridley gone. Even if Jacksonville opts to draft a wideout with the 17th pick, this is still a unit that could use the veteran expertise that Ridley was able to provide.
New England Patriots Still in Need of WR Help
So far, the most pivotal wide receiving signing in Foxborough, Mass., was re-adding Kendrick Bourne.
For a team that could consider drafting Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, or even J.J. McCarthy, the Patriots have to add one more WR piece regardless of what the team decides to do at QB.
Gallup, again, hasn’t posted the most astonishing of numbers since his 2019 season. But with Alex Van Pelt in as offensive coordinator, Gallup could come in as a Jarvis Landry-type option with his skillset.
But, Gallup may additionally become intrigued by the recent work Van Pelt did for another former Cowboys receiver named Amari Cooper. By playing in Van Pelt’s offense, Cooper re-established himself as a consecutive 1,000-yard receiver over the last two seasons.
Could a Return Home Also Happen for Gallup?
The 28-year-old receiver is a native of Atlanta. It just so happens the Falcons could still use veterans for their air attack.
Yes, Drake London and Kyle Pitts are expected to be fed the ball with Kirk Cousins on board. However, the Falcons are anticipated to run multiple three-wideout looks with new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson calling the shots.
That means Atlanta is running a more WR-friendly attack — perfect for Gallup to walk into.
Here’s another reason why Robinson’s presence on the first Raheem Morris Falcons staff can entice WRs like Gallup: Robinson is bringing in the same offense that turned Cooper Kupp into the league’s top wideout of 2021 and got Puka Nacua to emerge as a 100-catch wideout. This is a hard offense for a receiver to say no to. Perhaps Gallup could be convinced to head home.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
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