The Cowboys made the expected decision to release wide receiver Michael Gallup last week, marking him as a post-June 1 cut to save $9.5 million, but the team remains financially constrained and oddly unconcerned about not making team improvements.
Finding a replacement for Gallup is a major concern for the team. There were few available receivers in free agency, and the Cowboys didn't pursue any. However, they need a third receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, and it seems unlikely they will find one in free agency.
They may look to address the position in the draft, but they have many other needs to focus on. It's more probable that the Cowboys will take a chance on the players they already have to fill the No. 3 spot.
While former third-round pick Jalen Tolbert is a clear choice, USA Today’s Cowboys Wire site also mentioned Martavis Bryant, a former standout who was recently serving a five-year NFL suspension due to substance abuse. Steelers Martavis Bryant 'The Most Interesting Option'
According to Ben Grimaldi of Cowboys Wire: “The most interesting option the Cowboys have is a veteran WR who was once one of the rising stars at the position. Bryant was a fourth-round pick who got off to a quick start in his career before fading because of suspensions due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy on numerous occasions.
“Bryant hasn’t played in the NFL since 2018,
but in 44 games , he does have 18 total scores. When he is on his game, Bryant has the size, speed, and athletic ability to be a game-breaker. At 6-foot-4, Bryant has the reach to bring down jump balls and could be a viable red zone threat to help improve some of the issues the offense had in that area in 2023.It would be a remarkable comeback story if Bryant makes a successful return. After joining the Steelers from Clemson in 2014, Bryant made a significant impact as a rookie in Pittsburgh, scoring eight touchdowns on just 26 catches and averaging 21.1 yards per catch.
However, Bryant received multiple suspensions for substance abuse violations, leading to a series of suspensions, including the whole 2016 season. Frustrated with his unreliability, the Steelers traded Bryant to the Raiders, and in December 2018, he was indefinitely suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
He was later reinstated by the NFL and
signed by Dallas in November . After leaving an impression, the team signed him to a futures contract in January.Cowboys Have Low Bar for Replacing Michael Gallup
If Bryant can perform similarly to his last NFL appearance, he could still be a valuable asset. Replacing Gallup in terms of production won't be challenging – he had
34 catches and 418 yards last season – and with Bryant's speed, size, and skills, he could bring a possession element to the offense that the team has been missing. He is 32 years old. It might be a big request to have him take over for Gallup. But Bryant, speaking after he was signed by the Cowboys in November, said that the time away has kept his body in good shape and made him more eager.
“The possibilities are endless for me,” Bryant said. “I know I’m (32) but, still speedy, still large, still want to play football. I haven’t lost anything, you know? It's more of a challenge for me, I have a lot of skeptics out there, it's more about me proving to myself that I still have the ability.”
Should Martavis be given a chance? The Cowboys need a third option to replace Michael Gallup, and Martavis Bryant is an unusual but possible choice.
