The Dallas Cowboys are getting ready for Monday night’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, but the biggest concern may be what happens the day after as Dallas prepares its plans for the NFL’s trade deadline.
The Nov. 4 deadline has been a big talker in Dallas as many wonder if owner/general manager Jerry Jones will make an all-in move or start trading away expendable pieces to prepare for 2026. While many have speculated on the future of George Pickens as he has performed well in a contract year, another Cowboys receiver has started to generate trade buzz in Jalen Tolbert.
Tolbert’s name was mentioned in a speculation article by ESPN’s Todd Archer as a player who could be on the move ahead of Wednesday’s deadline. While Archer started the speculation, Bobby Belt of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas noted that there have been “tells” that show Tolbert could be inactive for Monday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals and perhaps traded by the Cowboys before next week’s deadline.
“I don’t like revealing trade secrets, but there’s a tell each week as to who might be inactive,” Belt said. “Tolbert had that tell yesterday at practice... It does make me think there’s at least some falling out of favor or preservation there. I wouldn’t be surprised if that feels like a move that feels like it very much could happen is Dallas trading away Jalen Tolbert sometime in the next week and a half.”
With Playoff Hopes Fading, Cowboys Could Move on From Jalen Tolbert
Tolbert makes sense as a trade candidate for the Cowboys. A third-round pick out of South Alabama in the 2022 draft, Tolbert had career-highs in receptions (49), receiving yards (610), and touchdowns (7) last season, but has taken a step back with Pickens’s arrival and breakout in Dallas. After catching 14 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown over the first eight games, Tolbert could be expendable, which prompted Archer’s write-up on the possibility earlier this week.
“He is on the final year of his deal, and his production has dropped alongside CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens,” Archer reasoned. “KaVontae Turpin is taking more snaps as the No. 3 receiver, and the Cowboys like the potential of Ryan Flournoy, who had 114 yards against the Jets. Tolbert provides valuable insurance in case something happens to the top two receivers, but receiver-needy teams might be willing to part with a draft pick or defensive player for him.”
Archer’s note that Tolbert could be kept around as insurance is valid. But it may not be needed based on their performance this season. At 3-3-1, the Cowboys have an 18.9% chance to make the playoffs according to ESPN and a 12% chance according to The Athletic’s playoff simulator.
With such a small chance to make the playoffs, one would think it would be beneficial to load up for the future and try to make a run next year. But regardless of the approach, it’s an even better idea to get something for a player that’s unlikely to stick around. Put it together, and it would be a surprise for Tolbert to play on Monday night and a bigger shock if he remains in Dallas past the deadline.