Recent Commanders signing is already a cut candidate ahead of camp

The Washington Commanders are looking to emerge from their fairy tale 2024 campaign with sustained success that stands the test of time. Anyone not pulling their weight will be shown the door, regardless of when they joined the organization.

That's a big reason why the Commanders went from also-rans to the NFC Championship game in their first season under head coach Dan Quinn. It's also why they have a good chance of cementing their status at the NFL's top table moving forward.

It won't be good news for everybody. And for one recent signing, things already look precarious.

The Commanders gave Michael Gallup a chance to get back into the league this summer. He ended a one-year retirement this offseason, and Washington took a flier on the wide receiver to see if there was something still left in the tank. There's also a previous connection to Quinn, who worked with the pass-catcher during their time on the Dallas Cowboys.

Commanders won't hesitate to cut Michael Gallup if standards aren't met

Gallup seems re-energized after lacking motivation previously. Getting cut by the Cowboys stung immensely. He couldn't pick himself up effectively enough after joining the Las Vegas Raiders and decided to walk away from the game entirely.

Now, he's back. But that doesn't guarantee anything.

The former Colorado State standout already has his back against the wall. Gallup started well enough in early workouts. Unfortunately for the wideout, he suffered a hamstring strain that kept him out of Washington's mandatory minicamp.

Others shone in his absence. Considering that competition for spots is fierce and places are at a premium in the wide receiver room, Gallup's health issue cannot be seen as anything other than a major setback in pursuit of making the 53-man roster.

Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Jaylin Lane, Noah Brown, and Luke McCaffrey will all make the roster. That leaves one or possibly two spots for the rest. Gallup would have been a lock once upon a time, but his 1,000-yard receiving season in 2019 is a distant memory.

Gallup needs to be available. He needs to hit the ground running at Washington's upcoming training camp. He must make every rep and target count during joint practices and the preseason. Nothing else will do.

Anything less comes with potentially grave consequences attached. And there might be no coming back for Gallup if this unfortunate scenario comes to fruition.

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