Commanders Make 1,000-yd WR Move After Terry McLaurin Update

Coming to terms with Terry McLaurin made the Washington Commanders comfortable about trimming their options at wide receiver, even if it meant saying goodbye to a veteran pass-catcher with a 1,000-yard season on his CV.

It’s former Dallas Cowboys wideout Michael Gallup who headlined a slew of roster cuts reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday, August 25. Gallup is joined by ex-New York Giants swing offensive lineman Tyre Phillips, as well as another receiver, one-time DC Defenders star Braylon Sanders.

The presence of a pair of wideouts among these roster moves is hardly surprising after the day also featured a massive update about McLaurin. Specifically, how the go-to target finally ended his contract hold-in and agreed to a three-year contract extension.

McLaurin’s return meant the Commanders have gone from uncertain about their receiving corps to stacked at the position. He’ll continue to be the headline act, particularly as a prolific vertical threat for star second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, but McLaurin will be more ably supported this season by two dynamic after-catch playmakers at different ends of the experience spectrum.

Their presence made Gallup surplus to requirements once the Commanders settled the saga of their offseason.

Michael Gallup Misses Revival Chance

Joining the Commanders this offseason gave oft-injured Gallup the chance for a career revival. The 29-year-old knows key staff members, such as Washington head coach Dan Quinn from their time with the Cowboys, and Gallup’s always had talent.

He proved as much by tallying 1,107 yards and six touchdown catches in 2019. Those career-high marks proved to be the peak for a player who soon succumbed to a slew of injuries, including a torn ACL suffered late in the 2021 campaign.

Gallup has never fully recovered, but he still possesses deceptive speed and an ability to get open inside the red zone. Those qualities appeared welcome for the Commanders when McLaurin was courting a trade, but now things have changed for the better.

Terry McLaurin’s Return Transforms Commanders

He’s one of the premier deep threats in football, somebody who gives Daniels the ability to take the top off of defenses in a hurry. The QB and McLaurin combined frequently on deep plays last season, with this 66-yard throw and catch against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5 one of the best examples.

Having McLaurin around to stretch the field will open up space underneath for All-Pro trade acquisition Deebo Samuel and 2025 NFL draft fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane to exploit.

They are both expert at moving around formations, receiving the ball in different ways and turning short passes into surplus yards after the catch. Samuel and Lane are the ideal receivers to complement McLaurin, while ageless wonder, 34-year-old tight end Zach Ertz continues to offer Daniels a safety valve between the numbers.

It’s strong, versatile and explosive quartet, but the Commanders still need depth. Quinn and general manager Adam Peters are obviously happy with second-year pro Luke McCaffrey, who’s a potential breakout candidate, and Gallup’s former Cowboys teammate Noah Brown as viable options if needed.

That’s somewhat surprising given Gallup’s pedigree, but somebody was sure to miss out after McLaurin’s status changed.