There was reason to wonder if the Dallas Cowboys might opt to go all in at the receiver position and add to the offense ahead of the trade deadline. While Dallas doesn't need a splashy addition behind George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, there is no arguing that Jalen Tolbert has been a frustration. After a solid 2024 campaign, the pass catcher has managed only 172 yards this season, with his catch rate dipping from a year ago. This is especially concerning when you consider that the offense was led for a large portion of last season by backup quarterback Cooper Rush.
Adding to this is the fact that the road should be far easier for Tolbert to make an impact. You're now facing the lesser defensive backs every week with Pickens and Lamb demanding attention. This should've opened up for a step forward in production, or at least producing at a more consistent level.
With this in mind, it made a level of sense for Tolbert to be replaced if the opportunity presented itself at the trade deadline. Instead, Dallas is going to exercise patience, leaning on their star targets and hoping Tolbert wakes up.
Cowboys Give Jalen Tolbert a Second Chance with Question Trade Deadline Decision
The Cowboys' depth chart will offer few challenges with Jonathan Mingo and gadget player KaVontae Turpin as the remaining depth options. Tolbert is going to get his fair share of snaps and be given every chance to put the slow start behind him. This is especially important considering that this is Tolbert's final season under contract; he is scheduled to become a 2026 unrestricted free agent.
Giving Dallas even more hope that an extremely motivated and focused version of the pass catcher will be able to improve down the stretch. It isn't as if the franchise is expecting elite production or for the receiver to become a focal point of the offense. Rather, the Cowboys only need a higher level of consistency and for Tolbert to take advantage of the consistently favorable matchups he is being handed.
This is a second life not only for the 2025 season, but for the receiver's career. Find a way to finish strong in the second half of the season, and a nice payday will be waiting in free agency. For the Cowboys, it seems likely the franchise will turn the page regardless of how the receiver finishes. A strong second half is more about helping the current offense go on a run and allowing Tolbert to cash in on free agency.
Dallas would be well served to look at putting an aging and accomplished veteran in the third receiver role in the upcoming offseason. But for now, Tolbert remains in the role with a chance to turn both the season and his career back in the right direction.