Saints: Michael Gallup is the perfect receiver to add to the offense

With the news of Michael Thomas missing the start of the 2021 season, the New Orleans Saints have to add another wide receiver to their offense and it has to be a good receiver capable of stepping in as a No. 1 option. There might not be a better realistic trade option right now than Michael Gallup.

Gallup, a former third-round pick by the Cowboys in 2018, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and therefore, the time is now for the ‘Boys to trade him and get something out of him. They already have Amari Cooper and recently drafted CeeDee Lamb, so retaining Gallup might not be a huge need for Dallas.

On the other side of the coin, the Saints desperately need a wide receiver and that’s the case now more than ever. Thomas was the only proven option on the roster and without him, this unit isn’t menacing at all. Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway don’t exactly have defenses shaking in their boots but Michael Gallup joining that duo would scare defenses a little more.

Not only that but Gallup joining the Saints wouldn’t just be for while Thomas is gone. He’d also be a factor once Thomas returned, giving the Saints two lethal receivers, which is something they haven’t had in quite some time.

The New Orleans Saints need to trade for Michael Gallup.

Grant Afseth of Cowboy Maven discussed in June how it could be time for Dallas to trade Gallup. In that article, Afseth offered this analysis:

"There are a few limitations with moving Gallup before his contract expires. For starters, teams are not going to want to overpay in a trade package to land a player who is going to reach free agency after the regular season concludes."

Personally, this is why the Saints should go all in for Gallup. Yes, he’ll be hitting free agency following the 2021 season assuming Dallas doesn’t extend him but the Saints can still trade for him (and give up a decent draft pick in doing so). They might not be in a position to sign him to an extension but hey, if they actually fixate on addressing receiver next offseason, Gallup might not be needed past 2021.

Not only would the Saints not have to give up a ton to land Gallup, but he’d be an immediate contributor for their offense. Not only could they use him without Thomas on the field but even when Thomas is healthy enough to return, these two could be one of the best receiver tandems in the league.

This is a move that makes perfect sense for the New Orleans Saints because it’s a trade that wouldn’t break the bank and would also fill their need at wide receiver. Let’s make it happen.