The Dallas Cowboys have continued to make waves in the NFL offseason, but this time, it’s for the players they’re parting ways with rather than the ones they’re adding. In a bid to create salary cap space, the Cowboys made significant roster moves on Friday by releasing Michael Gallup and Leighton Vander Esch.
Vander Esch’s departure comes with a failed physical designation, while Gallup’s release is designated as a post-June 1 move. The Cowboys stand to save $2,147,059 in cap space with Vander Esch’s release and a substantial $9.5 million with Gallup’s departure, according to Over the Cap.
Gallup had a standout season in 2019, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark as a receiver for the Cowboys, finishing with 1,107 yards and six touchdowns with an impressive 16.8 yards per catch. Throughout his tenure with the team, Gallup started in 67 of 86 games, amassing 266 catches for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 14.1 yards per catch.
And, Gallup’s production dipped over the last three seasons, totaling 108 catches for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns. With three years and $45.55 million remaining on his contract, Gallup’s departure marks a significant shift for the Cowboys’ receiving corps.
Vander Esch, a former Second Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl linebacker in his rookie year with the Cowboys in 2018, faced challenges due to injuries. Despite an impressive start to his career, injuries limited his availability, causing him to miss 15 of the past 34 games over the last two seasons and a total of 29 games over his six-year tenure in the league.
With one year and $4.4 million remaining on his contract, Vander Esch’s departure leaves a void in the Cowboys’ linebacker corps.
The Cowboys now face the task of filling the void left by these departures, particularly as they navigate free agency losses such as Tyler Biadasz and Tony Pollard, alongside uncertainties surrounding free agents Tyron Smith and Jayron Kearse.
