The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2024 season with several question marks surrounding their offense, but if there’s one area offering cautious optimism, it’s the receiving corps. The unit still faces its share of challenges—CeeDee Lamb’s lack of training camp time being chief among them—but the team remains hopeful that wide receiver Jalen Tolbert is ready to step up and deliver a breakout season.
After two seasons of relative quiet, Tolbert enters Year 3 poised to take on a larger role in the Cowboys’ offense. The front office and coaching staff have been encouraged by the strides the 24-year-old wideout made during the offseason, and with the No. 3 receiver role seemingly his for the taking, Tolbert could be a player worth monitoring early in the season.
Tolbert’s success this season is crucial for Dallas, and his development has been a top priority throughout training camp. The former third-round pick has worked tirelessly to build chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott, a move that’s been key to his growth as he steps into the void left by Michael Gallup’s departure. Gallup, once expected to complement Lamb and Brandin Cooks, was released after struggling to find his rhythm with Prescott, ultimately leading to his retirement.
While much will be asked of Tolbert, bold predictions suggest he may be up to the task. In fact, the hosts of the “Locked on Cowboys” podcast foresee Tolbert not only breaking out but also overtaking Cooks as the team’s No. 2 receiver. Cooks, a seasoned veteran with six 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, has struggled with injuries and saw his production dip to a career-low 41.4 yards per game last season.
Tolbert Could Leap into WR2 Spot
On the podcast, co-host Marcus Mosher didn’t shy away from predicting that Tolbert could emerge as Prescott’s second option behind Lamb. “I think Jalen Tolbert ends up being the wide receiver 2 for this team, and it’s a couple different reasons why,” Mosher said. “No. 1, I think we’re going to see Jalen Tolbert have a breakout season.”
The Cowboys’ decision to essentially give Tolbert the preseason off speaks volumes. It’s a sign that head coach Mike McCarthy and the offensive staff view him as ready for a significant role in the team’s revamped offense. Tolbert’s flexibility and versatility make him a valuable asset in McCarthy’s system, which requires receivers to move around the field frequently.
On top of that, Cooks, now 31 years old, is dealing with lingering knee issues and enters the final year of his two-year, $40 million contract. With his future in Dallas uncertain and his workload potentially scaled back, the door could be open for Tolbert to cement his spot as the Cowboys’ WR2.
High Expectations for Tolbert, But Caution Is Warranted
Despite the optimism surrounding Tolbert, there is reason for caution. He had an opportunity last season to seize the No. 3 receiver spot but struggled to make an impact. While he saw an increase in snaps later in the year, Tolbert finished the season with just 22 catches for 268 yards on 35 targets.
Tolbert’s progress will be key to Dallas’ success, and the coaching staff remains hopeful he can make the necessary leap to become a reliable contributor. To his credit, Cooks has been supportive of Tolbert’s development, praising the young receiver’s growing confidence and communication with Prescott.
“The way that he’s able to talk about a route or the way he’s able to tell the quarterback the way he sees things, he’s not shy anymore,” Cooks said earlier this offseason. “He’s able to go up to Dak and say, ‘Hey, I seen it this way,’ and it’s awesome to see him grow in that aspect.”
Cooks continued, “He’s ready to go. Whatever the expectation is for him out there, I’m telling you he’s going to crush it. He’s ready.”
Cowboys Counting on Tolbert for Offensive Spark
While the receiving corps remains one of the Cowboys’ more stable offensive units, much of the team’s success this season could hinge on Tolbert’s performance. If the former South Alabama standout can take a significant step forward, Dallas’ passing attack will be much more formidable.
For now, all eyes will be on Tolbert as the Cowboys hope he can solidify his place as a key contributor in what could be a pivotal season for both him and the team.
