When the 2020 season began for the Dallas Cowboys, expectations were high for Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and then-rookie CeeDee Lamb as a trio at wide receiver with Dak Prescott throwing them the football. Those expectations were met after the first four games, where all three were on pace for 1,000-yard seasons.

Unfortunately, though, Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle. He was done for the season by Week 5 and that handicapped the Cowboys' passing game tremendously.

2021 was supposed to be the year where everything finally came together. However, Gallup missed seven games with a calf strain and the season finale after tearing his ACL in Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals. Cooper missed two games due to COVID, and Lamb missed a game with a concussion. Sprinkle in Prescott missing Week 7 with a strained calf and it's easy to see why it's still a mystery as to what this trio can do.

And there's a chance we may never get to see what they can do. As the 2022 season approaches, Gallup is set to hit free agency and Cooper may be a salary cap casualty.

In other words: This group may not play another game together.

The Cowboys have 21 unrestricted free agents to make decisions on. Gallup is one of the biggest as he's been the team's primary deep threat during his stint in Dallas.

His injury, believe it or not, helps his chances of returning to the Cowboys. This is because teams may be hesitant to commit long-term dollars to Gallup; especially coming off a season with multiple injuries. There's a chance his rehab could continue into the season, as well.

A short-term prove-it deal may be in the cards. But teams take plunges all the time, so Gallup departing from the Cowboys is still a big possibility.

Gallup's future in Dallas is closely tied to what the Cowboys do with Cooper. The team stands to save up to $16 million if Cooper is traded or released and that would be more than enough to retain Gallup.

However, the Cowboys could restructure Cooper's deal and create about $12.7 million in cap space, allowing them to keep both. If that's what their plans are, of course.

That route is one the Cowboys should highly consider. With Lamb under contract for at least two more seasons, Dallas can have Cooper and Gallup alongside each other for the foreseeable future. If that's the case, and if they're blessed to stay healthy, the full effectiveness of this trio could finally be reached in 2022.

There's another factor to consider when it comes to Gallup's future with the Cowboys: Cedrick Wilson.

Wilson stepped up big-time for the Cowboys in 2021 by racking up 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns (tied for second on the team). He caught a crucial fourth-down pass at the end of regulation against the New England Patriots in Week 6 that led to a game-tying field goal. The Cowboys proceeded to win in overtime thanks to a walk-off touchdown from Lamb.

Wilson had a few other big performances. The next week, he amassed 84 yards that included a 73-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in a 20-16 Cowboys victory. Albeit in a loss, he totaled 104 yards on seven receptions against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thanksgiving.

Wilson is also a free agent, but seeing as his price tag will be significantly lower than Gallup's, and the fact that the Cowboys' offense looked more fluent with Wilson in the lineup in 2021, the Cowboys may decide to bring back to the cheaper option.

It depends on what the mindset of the front office is in Dallas. The team wasn't happy that Cooper missed two games because he caught COVID as an unvaccinated player. So, that could play a factor in what his future is with the Cowboys.

And as mentioned earlier, the Cowboys save $16 million if they trade/release Cooper. That would not only be enough to retain Gallup but Wilson as well. It would also give the Cowboys two viable options in the passing game outside of Lamb. They'd also have an opportunity to add another piece in the draft.

Only time will tell what the Dallas Cowboys decide to do at the wide receiver spot before the 2022 season. It could be vastly similar to what we saw in 2021. Or, a new era may be on the way at the position without getting the chance to see what Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb could have been when all the stars aligned.

Feature image via-Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports