Cowboys 5 Reasons To Consider WR Michael Gallup Trade
FRISCO - It's odd how often Michael Gallup's name comes up in NFL trade discussions - discussions by media members, that is.
At this moment, however, it might make more sense than ever before.
Radio.com Sports insider Jason La Canfora joined "Shan & RJ'' on 105.3 The Fan this week and touched on what the Cowboys should do with their depth at the wide receiver position ... reflecting on his most recent article for CBS Sports in which he speculates about a series of NFL trades.
La Canfora wonders if Gallup has a future in Dallas ... and we will admit, we understand some of the reasoning. To wit, five reasons:
1) While once upon a time, Amari Cooper figured to be the odd-man out of this standout receivers group, the Dak Prescott contract situation could alter that. As Dallas and Dak get nearer the March 9 tag deadline, it becomes increasingly possible that the Cowboys need to create cap room. Restructuring Cooper - basically by committing to him beyond 2021, which was not the original plan - is the easiest way.
And if Dallas commits to Cooper beyond 2021, it might have to un-commit from somebody else.
2) Why might that "somebody else'' be Gallup? He's in the final year of his rookie contract, set to be free after 2021. There is wisdom is getting something for him before he leaves.
3) This isn't an "insult'' to Gallup's talent; indeed, trade speculation about Gallup has always actually been a compliment. He has always "outplayed his contract'' (he would've been a 1,000-yard receiver last year had Dak not gotten hurt in Week 5), and that makes him a coveted commodity.
Dallas wouldn't be trading Gallup because he's "not good enough.'' Dallas would be trading him because he is good enough.
4) While having three standout receivers has value, it's also somewhat of a luxury. The Cowboys think Gallup has the talent to be a "No. 1 receiver.'' But with Cooper and now 2020 first-round draftee CeeDee Lamb, they have two of those. It could be argued that finding a third receiver can be done on the cheap (or maybe even by simply retaining Dallas' No. 4 guy, Cedrick Wilson).
5) In the game of Roster-Building Chess, the Cowboys have every reason to look at one position group with strength and depth and to consider swapping a piece for help at another position group lacking same. Gallup's name came up last year when the Cowboys were flirting with the idea of trading for Jets safety Jamal Adams. When it comes to flirting with ways to help their woeful defense - and especially the secondary - it's sensible to consider the name of Michael Gallup again.
