Cowboys Weighing Options on Free Agent WR Jalen Tolbert

Third-year receiver had up-and-down 2025 season, but could provide depth behind top targets Lamb and Pickens

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys are evaluating whether to re-sign wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, a 2022 third-round draft pick who had a breakout 2024 season but saw his role diminish in 2025 behind CeeDee Lamb and newly acquired George Pickens. Tolbert played in just 13 games last year, being a healthy scratch at times, as second-year receiver Ryan Flournoy emerged as the team's reliable third option. However, Tolbert has shown the ability to make big plays when called upon, and keeping him could provide valuable depth and familiarity for quarterback Dak Prescott's receiving corps.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' receiving group is a key part of their offensive attack, and retaining Tolbert could give them additional options and experience behind top targets Lamb and Pickens. However, Tolbert's decreased role in 2025 may indicate the team is ready to move on, especially with Flournoy's emergence as a reliable third option.

The details

Tolbert was a third-round pick by the Cowboys in 2022 after a standout college career at South Alabama. He had a breakout 2024 season, leading the team in receiving touchdowns, but saw his role diminish in 2025 as the Cowboys traded for Pickens and Flournoy took on a larger role. Tolbert played in just 13 games last season, being a healthy scratch at times, but still made some key plays, including a 34-yard catch against the Packers that set up a game-winning field goal.

  • Tolbert was drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
  • In 2024, Tolbert led the Cowboys in receiving touchdowns with 7.
  • In the 2025 season, Tolbert played in just 13 games and was a healthy scratch 4 times.

The players

Jalen Tolbert

A wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who was a third-round draft pick in 2022 out of South Alabama, where he was a two-time first-team All-Sun Belt selection and the 2021 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.

CeeDee Lamb

The Cowboys' top wide receiver, who has emerged as one of the NFL's elite pass-catchers since being drafted in the first round in 2020.

George Pickens

A wide receiver the Cowboys traded for in 2025, pairing him with Lamb to form a formidable receiving duo.

Ryan Flournoy

A second-year wide receiver who established himself as the Cowboys' reliable third option in the passing game in 2025.

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' starting quarterback, who has developed strong rapport with the team's receiving corps.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Cowboys will have to decide whether to re-sign Tolbert or let him test free agency, with the team's depth at receiver and Tolbert's decreased role in 2025 potentially factoring into their decision.

The takeaway

Tolbert's future with the Cowboys is uncertain, as the team must weigh his potential upside and familiarity with Prescott against the emergence of Flournoy and the team's depth at receiver. His 2024 breakout season shows he can be a valuable contributor, but his 2025 struggles may lead the Cowboys to seek other options in free agency.