The Washington Commanders are once again relying on their well-established connection to the Dallas Cowboys. This pipeline, which previously brought in head coach Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., and several players—including Tyler Biadasz and Dorance Armstrong—has now delivered another former Cowboy: wide receiver Michael Gallup.
Gallup, a former third-round pick, is coming out of retirement and has signed a one-year deal at the veteran minimum with Washington. The 29-year-old sat out the 2024 season after being released by the Cowboys and briefly signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023.
I’ve still got plenty of fire in me,” Gallup said at his introductory press conference on Thursday. “There’s more left in the tank. Washington is building something special, and I want to be part of it. I don’t need to be the top receiver, but I know I can contribute.”
Gallup had a breakout season in 2019 with 1,107 receiving yards but never reached that milestone again, recording 843 yards the following year. From 2021 to 2023, he failed to surpass 500 yards in a season, largely due to injuries. Despite that decline, he was eager for a fresh start when he initially signed with the Raiders. Now, he joins a revamped Commanders receiving group that features Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and another former Cowboy, Noah Brown.