Cowboys Trading Receiver Jalen Tolbert Becoming Hot NFL Rumor initially appeared on Athlon Sports.
FRISCO – When does a commerce “idea” … become a “rumor” … which turns into a “story”?
The Dallas Cowboys receiver depth chart behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is rather jumbled, but, we might argue, “jumbled” in a great way.
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How so?
Every indication is that KaVontae Turpin is now seen as “greater than a return man,” and is valued as perhaps the No. 3 wideout right here.
And then …
Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, Jonathan Mingo, Traeshon Holden and Ryan Flournoy are all a part of the group hoping to make their approach in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense.
Holden and Mingo have actually flashed throughout coaching camp … and have “ceilings” that the Cowboys have but to find – in a great way.
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Tolbert, in the meantime, appears to be considered by many Cowboys observers as a “known commodity” – maybe in a not-so-good way.
The development of the other guys in the receivers room has given way to trade buzz involving Tolbert, the former third-round pick who last year totaled 49 catches for 610 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024.
Our buddies at 105.3 The Fan recently discussed the idea of Tolbert being expendable, and our guy Law Nation did the same – while smartly putting a question mark at the end of the sentence, “Cowboys have had talks relating to WR Jalen Tolbert and a commerce?”
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Somewhat naturally, all of this has been twisted into the concept … a commerce is occurring.
Yet, when listening to educate Brian Schottenheimer speak on Tolbert, it’s clear the pinnacle coach could be very excessive on No. 1.
“JT is a guy that I like to challenge because I know anytime I challenge him, he steps up and accepts the challenge,” Schotty said this week. “Any time a man comes off a season the place he has seven landing passes, leads the workforce, he is only a man that is going to all the time do proper. He’s going to dam, he is so selfless and such only a nice teammate.
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Tolbert, the coach mentioned, “helps you win.”
Tolbert only had one catch for -1 yard in the preseason loss against the Rams, but it is clear that Jalen’s value to the team goes way beyond stats, and as Schottenheimer stated postgame, the difference between making and not making the team for the host of receivers looking to make their way is to perform on special teams.
Tolbert does that.
But … Holden and Mingo could shoot up the depth chart, that much is true. They could beat out Tolbert, special-team efforts or not.
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What then?
At this point – after more preseason proof – we could view Tolbert as suddenly being “expendable” as Dallas’ fifth receiver. So calls are made, and … which groups can be clamoring to present the Cowboys one thing of worth in trade for a fifth receiver?
If Dallas may flip Tolbert for a beginning nostril sort out or a beginning cornerback? That’s worthy of debate, within the media and within the constructing.
But wanting that? This is a media commerce “idea” … that’s become a “rumor” … that is turns into a “story.”
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This story was initially reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2025, the place it first appeared.