Michael Gallup didn't have the season he wanted in 2021. In Week 1, he suffered a strained calf that cost him eight games. In Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals, Gallup tore his ACL on a touchdown reception.

In a contract season, having multiple injuries isn't ideal. However, the Cowboys still showed their commitment to Gallup by signing him to a five-year, $62.5 million deal with $27 million guaranteed.

With his financial security well intact, Gallup is appreciative that he will remain in Dallas.

"Definitely a big blessing to get it done, to stay down here in Dallas," said Gallup. "I wanted to be here regardless. …The Cowboys had faith in me. Just definitely appreciate it."

There's a good chance that Gallup won't quite be ready for the start season of the 2022 season but retaining him was paramount for the Cowboys after trading Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns last week.

Speaking of the newly departed Cooper, he came to the Cowboys in the middle of the 2018 season, the same year Gallup was drafted. They played in around 50 games together and were the team's one-two punch at wide receiver before the arrival of CeeDee Lamb.

Once the news broke that Gallup had secured his first NFL bag, Cooper was the first to contact his former teammate.

“I’m going to say it like this: I love Amari Cooper," Gallup said. "He taught me so much since coming down here to the Cowboys and being a role model for all us young boys. I wish him the best. Great player. Great friend."

Gallup's best season in the NFL coincided with Dak Prescott's top year in 2019. Gallup hauled in 66 passes for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns. Prescott nearly set a franchise record with 4,902 passing yards and threw 30 touchdowns.

Gallup was getting treatment on his surgically repaired knee when his extension was completed. Prescott walked in and hugged him and said it was time to get to work.

“I ain’t going to lie to you, Dak knew I was going to be here for the long haul," said the former first-round pick. "That man’s had faith in me since Day 1. He wanted me to be here.”

Gallup is back in his No. 2 role in the passing game for Dallas. Once Gallup returns to the field, the goal is to tap into his versatility by doing more work in the slot which he started doing last summer in training camp.

When healthy, Michael Gallup is known for making contested catches, having great awareness as a toe-tapping wizard on the sidelines, and the Cowboys' deep ball threat. The latter may change if the Cowboys draft a speedster next month.

Gallup was a key in-house free agent that the Cowboys had to keep, and the expectations have gone up a level with his new salary.

Whether or not he meets said expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: He is in a great place mentally, which often translates into success by itself.

Feature image via Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports