Michael Gallup, a familiar name to Dallas Cowboys fans, is back in the NFL-and he’s staying in the NFC East. On thursday, the Washington Commanders announced they’ve signed the former Cowboys wide receiver, giving him a fresh start after a brief retirement.
Gallup, who hung up his cleats last summer before the 2024 season, is now lacing them back up to join a Commanders squad looking to build on a strong 2024 campaign. This move’s got a little extra spice since it keeps him in the division, setting up two matchups a year against his old team.
Gallup’s journey to Washington is a wild one. Drafted by Dallas in the third round back in 2018, he spent six seasons with the Cowboys, racking up 266 catches, 3,744 yards, and 21 touchdowns across 86 games. His peak came in 2019, when he hauled in 66 passes for 1,107 yards and six scores-a breakout year that showed his potential as a big-play threat.
“I’ve always believed in my ability to make an impact,” Gallup said in a past interview, a mindset he’s likely bringing to D.C. Injuries, like a torn ACL in 2021, slowed him down later, and after a quieter 2023 (34 catches, 418 yards), he was cut by Dallas, signed with the Raiders, then retired in July 2024.
Michael Gallup unretires: Why he chose the Commanders over retirement
So why the comeback? The Commanders see untapped potential. At 29, Gallup’s still got speed and hands, and his familiarity with head coach Dan Quinn-Dallas’s defensive coordinator during Gallup’s tenure-could ease the transition.
“They’ve got a good foundation here. They’re building something good. I want to be a part of it,” Gallup said at his introductory press conference, per USA Today. He’s joining a receiver room led by Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, with rookie standout Jayden Daniels slinging the ball. It’s a chance for Gallup to revive the magic of his 2019 self.
The deal’s reportedly a one-year contract worth up to $1.335 million, per Dallas Morning News-a low-risk swing for Washington. For a team that’s added ex-Cowboys like Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler under Quinn, Gallup’s another piece of that pipeline. His veteran savvy could stretch defenses and give Daniels a reliable target, especially after losing Dyami Brown. Posts on X are lighting up with fans hyped about his vertical threat potential. After sitting out 2024, Gallup’s got a point to prove-and what better way than sticking it to Dallas twice a season.
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