Jalen Tolbert Likely to Be a Letdown for Dolphins After Cowboys Exit

The former Cowboys receiver's struggles could continue in Miami.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:40pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the fractured, multi-perspective nature of the sport.Tolbert's struggles with the Cowboys could continue in Miami, as the Dolphins look to rebuild their receiving corps.Santa Clara Today

The Dallas Cowboys have seen several players leave the Lone Star State since the start of NFL free agency, including wide receiver Jalen Tolbert. After a down performance last season, Tolbert took his talents to South Beach, signing a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Miami Dolphins to reunite with 2022 Senior Bowl quarterback Malik Willis. However, there's a chance that the former Cowboys WR will disappoint his new team sooner rather than later.

Why it matters

Tolbert struggled with the Cowboys last season, and it's unclear if a change of scenery will help him turn things around. The Dolphins are hoping he can provide depth at receiver, but if he continues to underperform, it could be a wasted roster spot.

The details

A former 2022 third-rounder, the Cowboys once had high hopes that Tolbert would develop into an impact player. However, his stat line dropped to 18-203-1 in 13 appearances with Dallas last season, giving owner/general manager Jerry Jones every reason to turn the page in March. Tolbert's struggles as a pass-catcher and blocker could make it difficult for him to carve out a significant role with the Dolphins, especially if they add more receiving talent in the draft.

  • Tolbert signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Dolphins in March 2026.
  • Tolbert had 18 catches for 203 yards and 1 touchdown in 13 games with the Cowboys in 2025.

The players

Jalen Tolbert

A former 2022 third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys who struggled with the team last season, leading to his departure in free agency.

Malik Willis

The Dolphins' quarterback, who played with Tolbert at the 2022 Senior Bowl.

Jerry Jones

The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, who decided to move on from Tolbert after his underwhelming 2025 season.

Jeff Hafley

The head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who will have to decide how to utilize Tolbert on the team.

George Pickens

A wide receiver who joined the Cowboys in the offseason, potentially contributing to Tolbert's decline in production.

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What’s next

The Dolphins will likely add more receiving talent in the upcoming NFL draft, which could further impact Tolbert's role and chances of making the team.

The takeaway

Jalen Tolbert's struggles with the Cowboys last season raise concerns about his ability to be a reliable contributor for the Dolphins. Unless he can significantly improve his production as a pass-catcher and blocker, he may have a hard time carving out a meaningful role in Miami.