Cowboys WR Jalen Tolbert on track for starting role

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert.

CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks are safely set on top of the receiver depth chart for the Cowboys, but the absence of Michael Gallup has created a vacancy for the No. 3 role in 2024. A clear candidate is in place to occupy it.

Jon Machota of The Athletic confirms Jalen Tolbert is the “front-runner” to serve as Dallas’ other starting wideout (subscription required). The 2022 third-rounder had a sparse offensive role as a rookie, logging just 89 snaps. Last year, though, his offensive snap share rose to 40%. Tolbert scored a pair of touchdowns while averaging 12.2 yards per catch in his rotational role.

Of course, this update comes as little surprise. Dallas’ decision to move on from Gallup in a cost-shedding move was not followed up by a veteran addition. As a result, Tolbert was firmly among the team’s younger pass-catchers in line to see an uptick in usage. The 25-year-old’s performance in training camp will be worth monitoring as he looks to cement a first-team role.

Lamb’s uncertain contract status has been a central storyline for the Cowboys this offseason, and little progress has been made in negotiations. The All-Pro could very well hold out during training camp if no extension agreement is reached in the coming weeks, a move which would fall in line with his OTA and minicamp absences. Missing regular season time – something which would obviously not be guaranteed by a training camp holdout – would be critical for the Cowboys given Lamb’s franchise record-breaking performance in 2023.

Regardless of if Lamb is present during camp, Cooks will operate in another starting spot. The latter had a strong debut season in Dallas (657 yards, eight touchdowns) as a complementary option, a role which he will maintain in 2024. Expectations will be high for Tolbert presuming he does get the nod for first-team duties this year, and his ability to handle an increase in targets could be an important factor in determining Dallas’ offensive success. Failing that, other options for a larger role include the likes of KaVontae Turpin, Racey McMath, Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks.

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