Michael Gallup

Gallup last played in an NFL game back in 2023. He caught 34-of-56 targets for 418 yards and two touchdowns that year. The Commanders also released CB Essang Bassey, C Nick Harris and OT Tyre Phillips, and waived DT Norell Pollard and WR Braylon Sanders.

Gallup retired last offseason before the start of training camp. He had signed a one-year contract with the Raiders just months before that. He will now join the Commanders in hopes of securing a spot on the 53-man roster this upcoming season. The former third-round pick totaled 158 receptions for 2,457 yards and 13 touchdowns during his first three years in the league but hasn’t been the same since a torn ACL ended his 2021 campaign. He reunites with Dan Quinn, who he spent three seasons with during their stint with the Cowboys. He’s not a lock to make the roster.

Gallup, who turned 29 this month, recently met with the Commanders as the former third-round pick eyes a return to the NFL. Gallup opted for retirement ahead of the 2024 season, but after a year away from the game, he hopes to join a team and compete for a spot on a 53-man roster. Gallup suffered a torn ACL during the 2021 season, then totaled just 832 yards and six receptions on 73 receptions from 2022 to 2023. He’s probably looking at a camp fight for a roster spot regardless of where he lands.

Gallup was released by Dallas last offseason and signed with the Raiders. He ultimately retired before training camp but is now attempting to make a comeback. Gallup played under now Commanders head coach Dan Quinn in Dallas when Quinn served as the team’s defensive coordinator. His familiarity with the staff could get his foot in the door as a depth option, but Gallup’s play has declined drastically since he suffered a torn ACL in 2021. It’s unclear how much, if anything, he has left in the tank.

Gallup was released by the Cowboys last offseason and signed a one-year deal with the Raiders. He abruptly retired before the start of training camp and was officially released from the reserve/retired list earlier today. Gallup suffered a torn ACL in 2021 and has never been the same. He averaged 30 yards per game in the following season and that number fell to 25 in 2023. Gallup could wind up as a reserve option for a team in need of a WR5/6, but even that seems optimistic for the former Cowboy.