An ESPN insider has identified Dallas Cowboys Jalen Tolbert, whose diminishing role makes him a likely trade candidate before the NFL deadline, citing a clear drop in production that has sparked leaguewide interest. The wide receiver, who led Dallas in receiving touchdowns in 2024, has seen targets and snaps decline this season, prompting speculation that the team may move him for draft compensation or depth help.
Tolbert’s snap share and statistical output have fallen behind younger or newly acquired receivers, and media coverage this week highlighted practice patterns that some interpret as a precursor to a deal. Local reporters noted signs Tolbert might be inactive on game day, a move often used to preserve trade value or signal changing roles. With Tolbert on the final year of his contract, the Cowboys face a choice between keeping experienced depth and converting potential future value.
Dallas Cowboys, Jalen Tolbert, NFL
Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) during warmups before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
The Cowboys’ crowded receiving room and shifting pecking order have made Tolbert expendable in the eyes of several evaluators. Teams in need of a perimeter target could view Tolbert as a low‑risk purchase with upside, especially given his 2024 touchdown total and familiarity with pro route concepts. Sources projecting return value have suggested a Day‑3 draft pick or equivalent depth piece would be a realistic market expectation.
Front‑office calculus ahead of the deadline often balances immediate roster needs with long‑term asset management, and Dallas has shown a willingness to both acquire and move players depending on fit and price. Given the club’s defensive shortfalls, some insiders believe the Cowboys might prefer to trade assets for defensive help while retaining core offensive pieces, though Tolbert’s status complicates that posture.
ESPN’s NFL Expert Says Dallas Cowboys Could Trade Jalen Tolbert Before Deadline
Dallas Cowboys, Jalen Tolbert, NFL
Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) reacts after making a first down against the Washington Commanders during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
As it stands, Tolbert may be on the move ahead of the trade deadline. This is detailed more in an analysis by Todd Archer for ESPN.
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert. He is on the final year of his deal, and his production has dropped alongside CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. KaVontae Turpin is taking more snaps as the No. 3 receiver, and the Cowboys like the potential of Ryan Flournoy, who had 114 yards against the Jets. Tolbert provides valuable insurance in case something happens to the top two receivers, but receiver-needy teams might be willing to part with a draft pick or defensive player for him.
Fan reaction has been mixed, with some supporters urging the team to extract value rather than hold a fringe rotation player, and others warning that injuries could expose roster thinness. Ultimately, the decision will rest on whether general management judges Tolbert’s diminishing role as permanent or reversible with a change in scheme or usage.
Dallas Cowboys, Jalen Tolbert, NFL
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) in action during the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The trade deadline now looms as a proving ground for Dallas’s roster strategy, and Tolbert’s future is likely to be resolved in the coming days. If the club moves him, the transaction will reflect a broader prioritisation of immediate defensive reinforcement and draft capital preservation.
Dallas Cowboys, Jalen Tolbert, NFL
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) runs as New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24) defends during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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