The Dallas Cowboys’ choice to release wide receiver Michael Gallup opens up the possibility of a return to his hometown for the 28-year-old player. Being originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Gallup could enhance an already impressive offensive lineup for the Atlanta Falcons.
With talents like Kirk Cousins, Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London, the Falcons offense shows promise, although Pitts, Robinson, and London are still early in their careers. Gallup brings a wealth of experience since joining the league in 2018, offering a unique presence both on and off the field to the Falcons’ wide receiver corps. Lorenzo Reyna from Pro Football Network suggests that Atlanta could be an ideal landing spot for Gallup, especially considering the team’s inclination towards a pass-heavy offensive strategy.
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Gallup’s ties to Atlanta combined with the Falcons’ need for seasoned players in their passing game create an attractive opportunity. Despite the focus on Pitts and London, the Falcons are expected to employ formations with three wide receivers, indicating a friendly environment for Gallup. Moreover, the presence of offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, known for implementing an offense that maximized the performance of receivers like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua in the past, further adds to the appeal for Gallup. It’s a scenario that could strongly entice Gallup to return to his roots in Atlanta.
What Would Gallup Add to the Falcons Offense?
Last season, the Atlanta Falcons averaged 18.9 points per game, ranking seventh-worst in the NFL. While some of these challenges can be attributed to Desmond Ridder, the offense as a whole didn’t shine.
Bringing Kirk Cousins into the fold improves their prospects significantly, potentially elevating the Falcons to one of the top teams in their division, if not the favorite. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson haven’t yet showcased a formidable NFL offense. This is expected to change over time, but there’s merit in adding someone like Gallup whom the Falcons can rely on.
In the least favorable scenario, Gallup would provide them with a solid No. 3 receiver. However, considering his performance levels throughout his career, he could even serve as the No. 2 option.
Although Gallup has faced challenges since signing a five-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, including an ACL tear during the 2021-22 season, he now appears poised to return to full health. This presents an opportunity for him to offer the Falcons a different dimension and provide Kirk Cousins with another viable target in the passing game.
Falcons Draft Predictions
With the No. 8 pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons have an opportunity to select one of the top wide receivers available.
Potential candidates include Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze. However, draft predictions suggest a different direction.
Kyle Dvorchak of NBC Sports predicts that the Falcons will opt for Dallas Turner, an edge rusher from the University of Alabama.
“Turner, who notched 10 sacks in his third year at Alabama, is currently favored to be the first defender chosen in the draft. Despite having a solid offensive lineup, the Falcons struggled with generating pressure and sacks in the 2023 season, ranking below league average in these metrics. This deficiency has persisted over several seasons. Selecting Turner provides their defense with an opportunity to address this longstanding issue and elevate their performance in pass-rushing situations.”
If the Falcons indeed go with a defensive player like Turner, it would make sense for them to also pursue another wide receiver akin to Gallup to bolster their offensive options.
