5 Michael Thomas replacements to help Saints avoid losing start to 2021

1. Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys

Gallup had an 1,100-yard season in 2019, and the thanks he got was the Cowboys drafting CeeDee Lamb in the first round last year. But he still topped 100 targets in 2020 (105, third on the team), while leading the team in yards per catch (14.3) and tying for the team lead with five touchdown receptions.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract as a former third-round pick, Gallup carries just a $2.6 million cap hit this year. And with it almost certain Dallas will not be giving him a long-term deal, the idea he could be traded isn’t new.

While they can, the Cowboys may want to remain loaded up on the offensive side of the ball with a top trio of wide receivers in place (Amari Cooper, Lamb and Gallup). But they could also throw the door wide open for Lamb to have a breakout season by trading Gallup, and they can surely get a defensive player or a nice draft pick back in a deal.

The Saints may go all-in to find a fill-in for Thomas. After Thomas is back, he and Gallup would be a nice 1-2 punch for whoever the quarterback is. And in New Orleans, Gallup would theoretically have a better opportunity to have a big season heading into free agency next March.