Cowboys trade talk: Michael Gallup is being brought up, but shouldn't
The NFL is rarely a league of wild trades. That title likely belongs to the NBA, but that doesn't keep football fans from speculating on potential trades each and every year. As we get closer to this year's trade deadline, 2021 isn't the exception. Not even for the Dallas Cowboys, who are 5-1 and enjoying […]
The NFL is rarely a league of wild trades. That title likely belongs to the NBA, but that doesn't keep football fans from speculating on potential trades each and every year. As we get closer to this year's trade deadline, 2021 isn't the exception. Not even for the Dallas Cowboys, who are 5-1 and enjoying a Week 7 bye.
The Cowboys are instead being discussed as potential buyers since they've established themselves as legit contenders in the NFC. They could aim toward upgrading a defense that's still giving up big plays and generating less pressure than it wants to. But they're also being discussed as potential sellers of one particular playmaker…
Wide Receiver Michael Gallup.
This might come as a surprise to you but here's the logic behind that argument. Michael Gallup is in a contract year and the Cowboys have no shortage of offensive weapons. With Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, they're unlikely to break the bank on Gallup next offseason.
So, as is the case with NFL players, fans and media are looking for something in return before potentially "losing" Gallup for nothing. But the truth is, this line of thinking misses one important point.
The Dallas Cowboys are not rebuilding. At this point, they're not only fighting for the division title either. In reality, the Cowboys are legit contenders in the NFL. At 5-1, even though it's early, they could even compete for the NFC's top seed. We're talking about this season right here.
Even if you guaranteed the Cowboys would have to part ways with Gallup next offseason, Dallas should stick with their receiver.
Why would you not want a wide receiver that can open up so many more possibilities for the offense? Sure, Cedrick Wilson has been great stepping up as the "next man up," but it's a similar conversation to the one regarding La'el Collins and Terence Steele. Gallup is simply better and more of a deep threat.
Why would you tear apart what could be your best skill position group in a season in which you're betting on your elite offense to take you to the promised land?
If the Cowboys manufacture a run to the Super Bowl, it will be on the back of a high-powered adaptive offense. With all due respect to a defense that ranks second in the league in takeaways, the identity of this team is still on offense.
Now, to be fair, if the Cowboys hypothetically moved on from Gallup, it wouldn't be just because of Wilson's play. Instead, it would be a sign of trust in what Dak Prescott and Kellen Moore can do for this unit. A bet on them adapting to anything.
Yet, it's not something Dallas Cowboys' fans should be expecting to happen. This team has the potential to go the distance thanks to its offense. Even though Gallup hasn't played since Week 1, he's still a game-changer that will step up as soon as he gets back from Injured Reserve.
For more on Michael Gallup and what 12 personnel means for the team, make sure you catch last Thursday's episode of A to Z Sports Dalllas Primetime!
Featured image via Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
