The NFL 2021 trade deadline is soon approaching on Tuesday, November 2nd. When naming the most likely trade targets for each franchise, ESPN named Wide Receiver Michael Gallup for the Dallas Cowboys.
In yesterday’s article, ESPN’s beat writers from around the league gave their thoughts on their teams’ likelihood at moving a player before the deadline. Todd Archer, who’s covered the Cowboys for many years, had this and more to say about Gallup:
“The Cowboys wouldn’t want to do this, but Gallup has not played since the opener because of a calf injury and is in the final year of his contract… Given the talent in the group, the Cowboys might be able to get something in return, but they wouldn’t want to walk away from Gallup.”
Michael being the most likely to be traded doesn’t mean it will happen, or that it’s even that likely. But there’s no denying that his past performance and impending free agency, plus the current talent Dallas has at WR, make it a worthwhile discussion.
After over 1,100 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2019, a season in which he only played 14 games and started 12, Gallup has proven he can be a productive starter. His numbers went down in 2020 after CeeDee Lamb’s arrival and the loss of Dak Prescott, but Michael is still a 25-year-old playmaker with ball skills that work in any offense.
Gallup’s been out since injuring his calf during the Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay. The Cowboys have won five straight on the overall strength of their offense even without him, getting good contributions from backup Cedrick Wilson and other weapons in Michael’s absence.
Trade talk around Gallup didn’t just start this week, though. It’s been a topic since Lamb was drafted in 2020 and especially during this past offseason.
There are valid points on both sides of the debate. Yes, the Cowboys would be fine with Lamb, Amari Cooper, Wilson, and Noah Brown as their top-four receivers going forward. As they have the last five weeks, they can beat anybody in the NFL with that WR depth chart.
But what if Cooper or Lamb get hurt? We already know Amari is playing through injuries and that CeeDee’s physical style as a ball carrier could put him on the injury list at some point. How much further do you want Wilson or Brown moving up in the rotation, and especially once we get to the playoffs?
Some might argue that a defensive player you could trade for Gallup for will help just as much, if not more, as Dallas competes for a championship the rest of the year. And even if all they’d get back is a future draft pick, that’s a new asset on a fresh rookie contract for a guy you’re probably losing in free agency next spring.
But that expiring contract also mitigates Michael’s trade value. Other teams are only going to give back another impending free agent, or a player or draft pick of lesser worth.
Also, you run the risk of losing your team’s most valuable quality. The Cowboys are winning on their offensive potency, which has helped to overcome defensive injuries and mistakes. If you trade Gallup and then lose another starting receiver, suddenly the thing that makes you special may not be there anymore.
Moving Gallup is also not necessary for getting help on defense when you consider Dallas’ current injuries. The expected returns of DeMarcus Lawrence, Neville Gallimore, Dorance Armstrong, and Kelvin Joseph should do a lot to boost the talent without having to sacrifice elsewhere.
Fretting about “losing Gallup for nothing” next offseason is just one way to look at it. Trade him now and you lose a key offensive asset for the rest of 2021, and it wouldn’t take much for that come back and bite you.
Also, remember the compensatory pick system. If Michael does wind up signing a good contract with another team then Dallas probably will get something back in return. If he’s as respected elsewhere in the NFL as he is here, that pick could very well be a 3rd or 4th-rounder.
Given Michael Gallup’s value to the Cowboys for their hopeful Super Bowl run this year, it should take a big return for the team to consider letting him go. Perhaps a Godfather offer will come, but my guess is Dallas will hang on to this asset through the rest of the season.
Is there even a contender currently in need of a WR? Gallup will have to fetch at least a 3rd rounder in order to be traded … that or an immediately effective rotational DT. Baltimore? Indy? Chicago? New Orleans?
Why would trading Mike even be considered with Cooper limping around in and out of the game also the hits Lamb is taking right now. This year could be special we need all the play makers if you trade Mike and either Cooper or Lamp get hurt our season is done it’s going to take all three of them for us to get to the Super Bowl this year
I don’t want to see Gallup leave, but I would rather get something in return rather than see him just walk for the money. I’m comfortable with the D-line, but the cornerback position is suspect outside of Trevon. If they can get a corner that’s capable of starting I Would do it, otherwise I would keep him and wait for the compensatory pick I really feel Gallup is gonna follow the money regardless of what team offer it. Cedrick Wilson and Noah Brown are more than capable of keeping the offense going.
WR is arguably our deepest position. Defensive shortcomings will be what holds this team back. If we can trade him for a player that fills a need DT or CB for example, I say pull the trigger.
Looks like things are lining up well for us this season. Who knows what the future holds for this team. Why not push all our chips in.
Espn reporters are all clickbait whores or liberals pushing an agenda.
I hope they dont let go of Michael Gallop he’s a very good receiver they need him for the playoffs I consider him better than Cooper like another fan said he’s injured and older
I believe CD lamb and Michael G. Are the future it would be a big mistake to trade Michael.
Jessie you completely missed the most important point. you mention he is in a contract year. That means based on his one near full season of performance, relative youth, and high upside potential he will command a 2nd contract in FA that effectively prices him out of re-signing with the Cowboys.
Todd – “liberals” in sports??? Why the need to use this word?
Even thinking about trading Gallup deserves a slap in the face. Let’s not forget he’s part of the big 3 in the receiver corps. There’s already a backup filling his spot! He is to valuable to trade, and the Cowboys are in a great position now with it powerful offense!
We could always use a DT but my concern right now is the health of TS and if he goes down we have to replace him with somebody that can protect Daks blind side! If we trade MG I would like to see us get a solid OT if there is one out there ! By the way our defense is going to have to start holding people to around 14 to 17 ppg we are giving up to many ppg and relying on big play turnovers to help us win!!
Sorry, but N Brown is not a front line guy, so if things go south with injuries, he is not going to fill that kind of void. Agree with Kenneth Harper, that Cooper is “limping around in and out of games. Not reassuring. I like the idea of having very good productive insurance in MG. IMO, MG is better than CW, and I like CW. But I think there’s a difference.
All that said, if we were transaction that would GREATLY help our team at a very key position of need, than it certainly should be considered.
I would keep Gallup, lets see what our team can accomplish out of having a very strong offensive. He’s a great WR and anything could happen with a long season ahead. With a strong offense it could carry the flaws in the defense.
No chance they trade him. They will get 3rd or 4th Rd pick in compensatory after he signs big deal. Aka Byron Jones
You don’t trade a valuable asset unless you gain one. If it’s a player as valuable as the one you have? Then you can make the move, but not if it doesn’t make your team better.
Its Stupid to want to Trade Gallup!! Leting Gallup go long and deep will clear the Secondary to run Pollard or Elliott !! Gallup is a deep Threat!!