During the NFL Combine, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was questioned about the team’s plans for Michael Gallup’s future. Ahead of the new league year, recent developments suggest that the team has signaled its intentions. According to reports by Calvin Watkins from The Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys have granted permission to Gallup’s agent, Kevin Robinson, to explore potential trade opportunities.

This decision is likely influenced by Gallup’s contract situation. If he remains on the roster beyond March 16th, $4 million of his $8.5 million base salary for the 2024 season will be guaranteed. Given Gallup’s performance over the past two seasons, the team may have reassessed whether the costs justified the benefits.

After sustaining a season-ending ACL tear in 2021, the Cowboys secured Gallup, who was set to become a free agent, with a five-year, $57.5 million contract. The organization has a history of taking chances on players recovering from significant injuries, such as Dak Prescott after his ankle injury and Barry Church following his Achilles tear.

Unfortunately, Gallup was unable to replicate his 2019 form when he exceeded 1,000 receiving yards. Since signing the contract, he has accumulated 73 receptions, 842 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.

While the possibility of trading Gallup exists, his market may be limited as teams anticipate his release before March 17th. If a trade occurs, the acquiring team would inherit the final three years of Gallup’s contract. However, teams have been cautious about making a deal, expecting his eventual release.

If the Cowboys are unable to secure a trade partner, they might designate Gallup as a post-June 1 release, maximizing savings toward the 2024 salary cap, which is set at $9.5 million. This financial maneuvering could align with potential plans for a contract extension for their franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott, as reports suggest an August timeline for such an extension.

To allow Gallup the opportunity to explore the market fully, the team could release him ahead of the legal tampering period on Monday, rather than waiting for a trade before the salary guarantee takes effect.

Gallup’s potential departure would create opportunities for other receivers on the roster, including Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, and potentially seventh-rounder Jalen Brooks, who showed promise at times last season. Additionally, the Cowboys might explore adding another talented wide receiver through the draft, considering the depth in this year’s class.