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Raiders free agent bust resurfaces with NFC contender

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Mar 21, 2025 12:57 PM ET

In his lone season as general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, Tom Telesco made a few slip-ups with his decisions in free agency.

Some, such as defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, are hard to judge due to injuries destroying his first season in Las Vegas. Others, such as quarterback Gardner Minshew, are far more cut-and-dry. Another decision that falls in the latter camp is wide receiver Michael Gallup, whose Raiders tenure lasted three months after being signed before abruptly retiring in July before training camp.

After a year away from football, Gallup is attempting an NFL comeback with a team on the other side of the country.

Gallup has decided to sign with the Washington Commanders.

According to Adam Schefter, the Commanders signed the veteran wideout on Thursday to aid current Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.

Commanders signed former Cowboys WR Michael Gallup. pic.twitter.com/LHGAPSHsVF

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 20, 2025

Gallup is the latest move the Commanders made to upgrade their receiving corps, trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers earlier this offseason.

A longtime receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, the Raiders signed Gallup last offseason in the hopes of elevating their passing attack.

Gallup competed with second-year receiver Tre Tucker for a starting spot in the Raiders offense, but Gallup’s sudden retirement gave Tucker the job by default. The move did not make much impact, as subpar quarterback play lead to inconsistent results outside of the play of All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers. With quarterback situations playing major roles in where receivers want to play, perhaps the Raiders’ issues at the position lead to Gallup deciding not to play.

Regardless, both sides now start fresh, with Gallup in a new spot to revitalize his career while the Raiders continue to add excitement on that side of the ball.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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