The Dallas Cowboys split up their three-headed monster at wide receiver this offseason, opting to trade Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns and in turn hand a lucrative extension to Michael Gallup. After signing his new five-year, $57.5 million deal, Gallup revealed it was actually Cooper who was the first to reach out to congratulate him. Via Clarence Hill Jr., Gallup called Cooper “a friend for life” after revealing that his former teammate had called him when the news of his contract broke.

The Cowboys effectively chose Gallup over Cooper this offseason, but the two players aren’t letting that impact their friendship. Both sides know it’s a business, and Cooper will have an opportunity in Cleveland as the clear-cut No. 1 option. Rather than taking the trade and subsequent contract extension personally, Cooper took the high road and was the first to celebrate the news with his good friend.

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Gallup is coming off a torn ACL he suffered in while catching a touchdown pass late in the 2021 regular season. His return to action remains unclear, but regardless of the serious injury, the Cowboys feel confident in his ability to produce in the future, as well as this year.

Last season, Gallup featured in just nine games, recording 35 receptions, 445 yards, and 2 touchdown receptions. He sustained an injury during Week 1 and was placed on IR, returning to action in Week 10. He then tore his ACL in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Cooper, on the other hand, featured in 15 games for the Cowboys. The unvaccinated veteran missed a pair of key clashes while out with COVID-19. On the year, Cooper had 68 receptions, 865 yards, and 8 touchdown grabs.