Should, or could the Cowboys seek to switch Michael Gallup to obtain a Top 40 draft choice and a conditional choice for 2022? I have a high regard for Gallup, but at this point, next year, its price will be too high to maintain it. Jets, Titans and the Ravens come to mind as possible targets. – JAMES HOBSON / CHEYENNE, WY
David: I’ve been thinking about it a lot since the end of the season and I’m with you. I love Michael Gallup, but he can pay for a second contract here in Dallas. If the board can negotiate and draft his replacement this spring, I am totally in favor. The only problem is that the status of his contract can make it difficult to get the full amount for him, as teams usually don’t love to negotiate for guys with only one year of contract. But if someone were willing to trade a second or third round choice to get it, I would have to seriously consider it.
To steal: I understand the long-term logic behind the question. As good as Michael Gallup is (and he’s getting better), there is a limit to the teams that can invest in the recipient position, and even a franchise brand next year would not be compatible with the limit (it’s $ 16.5 million) at WR this year). But the attack is the Cowboys’ greatest strength and their best chance of making it to the playoffs next season. Why weaken that strength for a recruitment choice that may or may not help you much this year? In trying to rehearse Dak, the club is clearly on a winning streak now, despite 6-10 last year. It’s hard to believe in a scenario where you hire Dak and say, “Hey, we’re going to win the Super Bowl. By the way, one of your best recipients plays for someone else now.”
In addition to “wanting to be a Cowboy for life,” isn’t it in Dak’s interest to play another year at the franchise’s brand and reach the free agency next year? Wouldn’t that maximize your earning potential? He is so close to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that you would think that, at this point, he would rather be just a free agent next year and see who the best bidder / situation is. Could this be the reason why this deal was not closed? – AUSTIN D. / PHOENIX, AZ
David: This is definitely something to consider. If Dak plays the 2021 season under the franchise brand, he will have pocketed around $ 69 million for two years of work – and then, having already earned so much money, he will be free to pursue a gigantic long-term contract in 2022. Dak and his representatives are definitely aware of this, which is why they are unlikely to agree to a deal unless it looks right to them. It seems strange to talk about a guy coming out of a serious injury, but Dak seems to have every advantage in that situation.
To steal: I think the counterattack to this is that Dak has an opportunity to sign this offseason and get long-term security now (like $ 100 million plus guaranteed or whatever, based on other QB contracts) instead of going another season in one. one-year contract after that horrible injury last year. That said, he has an unwavering belief in himself and is willing to wait for the right deal first – which is understandable. I just think it looks like the right time for both sides to end this negotiation. A long-term deal would allow the Cowboys to distribute the money for the necessary relief from the ceiling, and Dak would not have to wait another 12 months for a massive payday. Obviously, it must be something that both sides are satisfied with.