Those close to the Dallas Cowboys said the team released both Michael Gallup and Leighton Vander Esch on Friday afternoon.
Both moves had been suspected since the playoff loss to the Packers.
According to Michael Gehlken, a Cowboys reporter for the Dallas Morning News, his release is expected to come with a post-June destination, which will eventually result in an extra $9.5 million in salary cap space in 2024.
🚨BREAKING🚨
Michael Gallup has been released by the #Cowboys— no trade partner found by the veteran WR— a post-June 1 designation for Dallas.
It’s a move that adds $9.5 million in savings to the 2024 salary cap.
The former 1,000-yard receiver hits the open market.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 15, 2024
Gallup signed a five-year $62.5 million extension in 2022 after the team traded Amari Cooper to the Browns.
Gallup was never the same after he tore his left ACL and MCL.
He was out-snapped by Jalen Tolbert three times last year; the writing was on the wall for him.
I liked Michael Gallup.
His ability to make tough catches in traffic was a gift that he had, but at the end of the day, you can’t continue to pay that type of money for small production.
He finished last year with 34 catches for 418 yards and two touchdowns.
He could have been solid for the team this season, but it was too risky for them to hold onto the rest of that money, and if they had had another season like the last, it would have been a problem.
LVE Might Retire
As for Leighton Vander Esch, the team also released him due to a failed physical designation.
After his neck injury cut his 2023 season short, the writing was on the wall for him.
The Cowboys have been preparing to be without LVE for several months.
On Wednesday, they signed Eric Kendricks, who will likely be a leader on defense under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
Cowboys also released LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) with a failed physical designation. Given his medical situation, the team has prepared for months to be without Vander Esch in 2024. Newly signed Eric Kendricks projects as starting Mike linebacker.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 15, 2024
LVE set a team rookie record with 176 tackles in 2018 and was named to the Pro Bowl.
His neck issue was a problem even before they drafted him, but he was a great player for a handful of years when healthy.
The Cowboys no longer have anyone left from their 2018 draft class
First round: Leighton Vander Esch, LB
Second round: Connor Williams, G
Third round: Michael Gallup, WR
Fourth round: Dorance Armstrong, DE
Fourth round: Dalton Schultz, TE
Fifth round: Mike White, QB
Sixth round:…— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 15, 2024
He was a fan favorite and one of mine also, it was nice to see a linebacker able to read the defense and drop back in coverage when needed.
It was nice to see after Jaylon Smith ended up not panning out with the team.
The entire 2018 draft class is now gone for the Dallas Cowboys.
With Dorance Armstrong singing with Washington a few days ago, and now Gallup and LVE being released the entire class is now gone for this team.
The Cowboys still need to figure out what they are going to do at running back with Tony Pollard gone, and now add another defender and wide receiver.
