Hogs Haven
A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders
He was once a 1,000-yard receiver but went three consecutive seasons without reaching 500 before hanging it up. But hey, he was banged up. So what can Commanders fans make out of it?
It’s a classic low-risk, high-reward gamble from the Commanders front office that will ultimately come down to Gallup’s health. After tearing his ACL toward the end of the 2021 NFL season, he has never fully bounced back. Hopefully, we get to add “until now” to that last sentence in a few months.
If Gallup has healed ahead of his return to football though, let me clear: He can give the Commanders a starting-caliber starter for the 2025 season to complement Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel.
At his best, Gallup was a solid WR2 and a great WR3. Though he’s not much taller than McLaurin, he plays bigger than his size. In Dallas, his specialty was being an X-type receiver who could win one-on-one consistently and make great contested catches. His speed was an asset in vertical routes and he had a knack for making the toughest sideline grabs.
Simply put, Gallup isn’t a lock to make the 53-man roster. His play as a Cowboy declined to the point of ending up as a designated Post June 1st cut last year and that was when it became clear he wasn’t the same. His success in contested grabs fell off a cliff and he simply wasn’t the same imposing figure on the field.
A year away from football hopefully made him reset but this is a gamble and the Commanders might just lose it.
The veteran comes over from the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year deal.
What it means: Washington needed size inside and added more by landing Goldman. The Commanders released tackle Jonathan Allen so needed more depth to rotate with Daron Payne and Jer’Zhan Newton. Goldman was a terrific run stopper early in his Bears career; Washington ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed per carry so it needs help. The Commanders also signed defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw.
What’s the risk: Minimal. Washington needed help inside, and it’s only a one-year deal. The Commanders need more youth along the front, and that quest should not be abandoned after this signing. They need Goldman to be the run stopper he was earlier in his career. If they want to beat Philadelphia, the run defense must improve.
Wise joins from New England on a one-year deal worth $5 million.
What it means: Washington needed defensive end depth and someone who can play the run. Wise has some pass-rush ability, but his ability to play with...
