By SCHUYLER DIXON – AP Pro Football Writer
The Dallas Cowboys signed receiver Michael Gallup to a long-term contract a day after agreeing to trade Amari Cooper to Cleveland.
Gallup is walking away from a five-year, $62.5 million contract, two people with knowledge of the deal said Sunday. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as the deal may not be official until the start of the league’s new year.
The Cowboys trade Cooper to the Browns to save about $16 million in salary cap space. Once Gallup’s deal is done, Dallas will move on to defensive end Randy Gregory and some of the club’s other unrestricted free agents.
Gallup was a free agency target for the Cowboys despite tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the penultimate game of the regular season. Club officials have expressed optimism about Gallup’s recovery.
Cooper’s trade leaves CeeDee Lamb as the No. 1 receiver for Dallas. A healthy Gallup has shown the potential to be a strong second option for quarterback Dak Prescott.
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Prior to the knee injury last season, Gallup missed seven games with a calf injury. The nine games played were the fewest in four years. Gallup had 35 catches for 445 yards and two touchdowns.
A third-round pick in 2018, Gallup had his best season in his second year with career highs in catches (66), yards (1,107) and touchdowns (six).
The Cowboys also have an agreement on a one-year contract with receiver Noah Brown.
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