Gallup, a former 1,000-yard receiver, retired after three seasons of not reaching 500 yards due to injury. The Commanders’ front office made a low-risk, high-reward gamble that will ultimately depend on Gallup’s health. He tore his ACL at the end of the 2021 NFL season and has yet to fully recover.
Gallup was a good WR2 and WR3 when he was at his peak. Despite being only slightly taller than McLaurin, he plays much bigger. In Dallas, he was known as an X-type receiver who could consistently win one-on-one battles and make excellent contested catches. His speed was advantageous in vertical routes, and he had a propensity for making the most difficult sideline grabs.
Simply told, Gallup isn’t guaranteed to make the 53-man roster. His play as a Cowboy deteriorated to the point where he was labeled as a post-June 1st cut last year, indicating that he was no longer the same. His success rate in contested grabs plummeted, and he was no longer the same commanding presence on the field.
What it means: Washington needed size inside and acquired it by signing Goldman. The Commanders released tackle Jonathan Allen, requiring more depth to rotate alongside Daron Payne and Jer’Zhan Newton. Goldman was an excellent run stopper early in his Bears career; Washington is 28th in running yards allowed per carry, so it requires assistance. The Commanders have also signed defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw.
What is the risk? Minimal. Washington needed help on the inside, and the contract is just for one year. The Commanders require more youth along the front lines, and that goal should not be abandoned following this signing. They need Goldman to be the same run stopper he was early in his career. If they want to beat Philadelphia, their run defense needs to improve.
What it means: Washington needed defensive end depth and a run-stopper. Wise has some pass-rush potential, but his ability to play with strength should benefit a defense that was 30th against the run in 2024. He recorded 34 career sacks in eight seasons with the Patriots. But he was a three-time captain in New England and can provide tremendous leadership to both his group and the entire defense.
What is the risk? Minimal. The contract is only for $5 million, so he is not being compensated like a starter. He also makes an adequate offer of assistance. The risk arises if Washington does not draft someone at this position. They don’t have any young ends that are projected to start. Washington requires young defensive talent to grow, but Wise will not impede that process and can provide assistance along the way.
As previously said, Commanders traded for big names and signed lots of veterans. However, the majority of deals expire by 2027. Furthermore, if the traded veterans fail to meet expectations, they can be dismissed with little or no dead money as early as the next offseason.
A frequently mentioned point that deserves to be repeated. Given Peters’ proclivity to flip draft picks throughout his career, it is not difficult to picture him converting the #29 and #61 picks into a greater collection of Day 2-3 and possibly future picks. Peters still has the big chess pieces in place to attract more talent and continue the rebuild.
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