FRISCO, Texas –Michael Gallup has signed his rookie contract, meaning the Cowboys' entire 2018 draft class has officially signed on.
Gallup, who the Cowboys selected in the third round at No. 81 overall, signed a four-year deal estimated at roughly $3.3 million. The two-year standout at Colorado State tallied 176 total catches for 2,690 yards and 21 touchdowns during his college career. During his senior season he was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to college football's top receiver.
The Cowboys' other eight draft picks signed their contract last week ahead of rookie minicamp, as the NFL's current CBA has made rookie negotiations a bit of a foregone conclusion.
There has typically been a wait for third-round picks, however, as language in the CBA makes it slightly trickier to negotiate those draft slots. Last year, third-round pick Jourdan Lewis didn't sign until June 29. Maliek Collins, who was the Cowboys' third-round pick in 2016, didn't sign his deal until July 14.
Getting Gallup under contract means the Cowboys have all their rookies signed before they even begin OTAs on Tuesday – which should come as a bit of a relief for the newcomers. Last year's 81st overall pick, Washington's Fabian Moreau, received a signing bonus of $825,392.
With the business aspect out of the way, Gallup can focus on establishing himself in a new-look wide receiver room. Receiver had long been one of the most consistent positions on the Cowboys' roster – but that's far from the case in 2018. Gallup will join Allen Hurns, Deonte Thompson, Cedrick Wilson and Tavon Austin as new members of the group, as the Cowboys seek to sort out a new pecking order after the release of Dez Bryant in April.
