Cowboys to Cut Michael Gallup as Jalen Tolbert Moves Up?

Jalen Tolbert's emergence in the Dallas Cowboys offense could force the franchise into parting ways with Michael Gallup who had another down year.

Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert's improvement in training camp was a feel-good storyline for the franchise, and as such, he was rewarded with a larger role in Mike McCarthy's "Texas Coast Offense."

And Tolbert's emergence could have ramifications for fellow receiver Michael Gallup.

Tolbert saw his snap count go up dramatically from his rookie season (89 snaps to 477) as at times, he took some of Gallup's snaps on offense due to poor production from the six-year vet. In his second season, Tolbert would finish with 268 receiving yards and two touchdowns from his 22 receptions, a big improvement from his rookie season.

As for Gallup, who has never recaptured his form from 2019, could only muster 418 receiving yards and two touchdowns from his 34 receptions. While his stats could be a reason that Gallup could be moved on as since 2019 they have been declining year after year, but his contract situation, coupled with Tolbert's emergence could see him phased out.

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With the Cowboys' current salary cap situation and Gallup's $13.8 million cap hit next year, a move could be made. The franchise could make him a post-June 1 cut, thus spreading out the impact and gaining $9.5 million of room. (See below).

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With Tolbert nearly having the same production as Gallup while being on significantly less money ($1.1 million base salary in 2024 and $1.4 million cap hit), the decision might be easier than originally thought.

Now, Gallup has been a model teammate and locker-room presence. He could have been forgiven for getting upset at his lack of receptions this season as 15 times this year he had three or fewer in a game. But he stayed true to the gameplan with his willingness to help block in the run game and was a good person to have around The Star.

But is that worth $13 million?

Tolbert had 150 fewer yards than Gallup, had 12 fewer receptions, but their yards per reception were nearly identical (7.4 for Tolbert, 7.3 for Gallup). Tolbert also had a better catch rate (55.6 percent to Gallup's 50.9) and only averaged nine fewer yards per game (24.6 to 15.8). But Gallup started 13 games compared to Tolbert's six and had 612 offensive snaps this year compared to Tolbert's 477.

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So the two aren't that far apart in terms of production, but looking at the respective salaries, it is a huge gulf. 

And that could be the deciding factor.

Gallup has been a good soldier for the Cowboys, but the salary cap squeeze, coupled with Tolbert's emergence on offense along with his lower cap hit could indicate that Gallup might not be a Cowboy in 2024.