Commanders release veteran WR Michael Gallup

Field Level Media|published: Mon 25th August, 16:32 2025

NFL: Washington Commanders at New England Patriots

Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Miles Battle (35) breaks up a pass to Washington Commanders receiver Michael Gallup (12) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders on Monday released veteran wide receiver Michael Gallup, who signed with the team in March after initially retiring from the league before the 2024 season.

Gallup, 29, had signed a one-year contract with the Raiders in April 2024 but opted to retire on the eve of the team's first practice at training camp in July. The Raiders then released him from the reserve/retired list in March to allow him to attempt a comeback.

The Commanders also released cornerback Essang Bassey, center Nick Harris, tackle Tyre Phillips, defensive end Norell Pollard and wide receiver Braylon Sanders on Monday.

Gallup was competing for a spot with Commanders wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown and Luke McCaffrey.

Gallup had 266 catches for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdowns in 86 career games (67 starts) with the Cowboys. His best season was in 2019, when he had 66 receptions for 1,107 yards and six scores.

The third-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft sustained a torn left ACL on Jan. 2, 2022, while making a touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals. In his final two seasons with the Cowboys, he had his lowest yardage totals of his career: 424 in 2022 and 418 in 2023.

--Field Level Media