5 Cowboys on Thin Ice With Mike McCarthy Staying in Dallas

3. Michael Gallup

I think it's safe to call wide receiver Michael Gallup one of the biggest disappointments in Dallas this past season.

Following a 2022 campaign where he was clearly still working himself back to 100% after his ACL tear, there was optimism Gallup would regain the form that made the Cowboys confident in handing him a big-money extension.

Instead, Gallup's production continued to be mediocre. Despite Dallas putting even more of an emphasis on the passing game, the wideout finished with a meager 34 receptions, 418 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Even worse, Gallup suited up in all 17 contests this year, and his numbers across the board were still lower than his hampered 2022 production (39/424/4 in 14 games).

Gallup putting up average WR3 stats isn't good enough when he's being paid like a clear-cut No. 2 on his five-year, $57 mllion extension. That contract does present a possible out for this upcoming season, though. The Colorado State product would only cost $4.35 million in dead cap space if he's designated as a post-June 1 cut, compared to just over $13 million if released normally before that date.

Spending wisely is one of the biggest things a contender can do when balancing limited cap space and a roster full of highly paid stars. Gallup doesn't provide anything that couldn't be cheaply replaced, either by a veteran free agent or a 2024 draft pick.

McCarthy would be smart to consider if a move here could help better optimize his personnel for next season.