The Dallas Cowboys sent shockwaves through the NFL with a blockbuster trade, acquiring star wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move has paired franchise quarterback Dak Prescott with one of the league’s most dynamic receiver duos, alongside superstar CeeDee Lamb. However, the trade has sparked intense speculation about the future of 2024 starter Jalen Tolbert, who has been a reliable WR2 opposite Lamb throughout the season.
Tolbert, who started 15 of 17 games last season, was a key contributor for Dallas, racking up 49 catches on 79 targets for 610 yards and seven touchdowns. His performance showcased his potential as a dependable pass-catcher, but with Pickens now in the fold, Tolbert’s role has come under scrutiny. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport recently named Tolbert as the player the Cowboys “should consider trading before the 2025 season,” citing his expendability in the wake of the Pickens acquisition.
While Tolbert would thrive as a WR3 behind Lamb and Pickens, creating mismatches with his skill set, the Cowboys are reportedly exploring other options. With Pickens and Lamb forming an elite tandem, Dallas has newfound flexibility at the wide receiver position. Davenport notes, “Sure, Dallas isn’t exactly overflowing with depth at wide receiver,” but the team could shift focus to getting the ball into the hands of speedster KaVontae Turpin in 2025.
With Tolbert entering the final year of his rookie contract, he’s an attractive trade target for teams in need of a proven pass-catcher. His 2024 production makes him a strong candidate for a WR3 role on any roster, but a receiver-needy team might see him as a potential WR2, offering draft capital to secure his services. The Cowboys, in turn, could capitalize on this opportunity to bolster their roster elsewhere.
The idea of trading Tolbert isn’t just about roster management—it’s about unleashing an explosive new dynamic. Fans in Cowboys Nation would likely welcome a bigger role for Turpin, whose electrifying speed could add a new dimension to the offense. As Dallas looks to maximize its potential in 2025, moving on from a key 2024 contributor like Tolbert could be the bold move that reshapes their future.