Former South Alabama Standout Joins Miami Dolphins

Jalen Tolbert leaves Dallas Cowboys after 4 seasons to sign 1-year deal with Miami

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:23am

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After spending his first four NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, former South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Tolbert has agreed to a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. Tolbert was a third-round draft pick in 2022 and had 91 receptions for 1,093 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Cowboys, but his production declined in 2025 after Dallas acquired receiver George Pickens.

Why it matters

Tolbert's move to Miami provides him a fresh start and an opportunity to potentially earn more playing time and targets in the Dolphins' offense, which already features standout receivers Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington. The Dolphins are looking to build on a promising 2025 season and Tolbert's addition could help bolster their passing attack.

The details

Tolbert had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons at South Alabama in 2020 and 2021, winning Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2021. He was then drafted in the third round by the Cowboys in 2022. After a productive first few seasons in Dallas, Tolbert's role diminished in 2025 following the team's acquisition of Pickens. Now he'll look to revive his career in Miami on a one-year deal.

  • Tolbert spent his first 4 NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys from 2022-2025.
  • Tolbert agreed to a 1-year contract with the Miami Dolphins in March 2026.

The players

Jalen Tolbert

A former standout wide receiver at the University of South Alabama who was drafted in the 3rd round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 and has now signed a 1-year deal with the Miami Dolphins.

George Pickens

A wide receiver who was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys in an offseason move, leading to a decreased role for Tolbert in 2025.

Jaylen Waddle

A wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins who had 64 receptions for 910 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2025.

Malik Washington

A wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins who had 46 receptions for 317 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Tolbert's move to the Dolphins provides him an opportunity to potentially earn more playing time and targets in an offense that already features talented receivers like Waddle and Washington. The change of scenery could help revive his career after a decline in production with the Cowboys.