After trading for wide receiver George Pickens this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys could trade former third-rounder Jalen Tolbert before the 2025 campaign. USA Today’s K.D. Drummond made a suggestion that the Cowboys could be on the verge of trading the wide receiver since the team has been making moves to salvage their passing offense. Originally selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the former South Alabama product had two first slow seasons in his career, recording just 22 receptions for 268 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns in 2023. The following season, the Cowboys saw excellent improvement from the wideout, and being that he’s in his final year of his rookie contract, they could entertain a trade.
Earlier last year, the Cowboys were desperate looking for pass-catching help, so they traded for former Panther Jonathan Mingo to bring in some type of relief. It hasn’t been paying off since he’s yet to break out, but if he impresses this year and Tolbert doesn’t, that should tell you the Cowboys could be open to trading Tolbert. Either way, it’s hard to compensate a new contract based on one season, recording 49 receptions for 610 yards and seven touchdowns. The wide receiver is in line for a new deal, but these five teams could offer a day-three future pick if the Cowboys endure another losing season this year.
Breaking: Cowboys Latest Move Could Signal Blockbuster Jalen Tolbert Trade – 5 Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
While drafting Tre Harris provides some potential upside alongside Ladd McConkey, the Chargers have yet to have another proven receiver option on the depth chart. Veteran Mike Williams is way past his prime to be putting up more than 1,000 yards consistently anymore. Meanwhile, Quentin Johnston will likely get cut or be traded to a new team if he continues to be unproductive. Tolbert could provide Justin Herbert a low-risk, high-reward playmaker who could break out again at any moment.
New Orleans Saints
However, the New Orleans Saints will probably need a new wide receiver soon. It’s becoming hotter every day that Chris Olave could request a trade, especially after Derek Carr’s retirement plans. New Orleans is enduring a disaster offseason, and it doesn’t look good for first-year Kellen Moore. Tolbert could reunite with Moore to provide some familiarity in his new offense for whoever steps up as quarterback.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have done phenomenally well on both sides of the ball. After finally improving the defense, the team decided to go with another receiver, Tetairoa McMillian, to salvage the receiver corps. Adam Thielen will retire unless the Panthers trade him during the 2025 campaign. This leaves Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker as two promising, but unproven options. Perhaps, they could trade for Tolbert to boost the momentum in the aerial attack for quarterback Bryce Young between him and McMillian in the slant routes.
Jacksonville Jaguars
After releasing Gabe Davis, the Jaguars should be on the hunt for at least a short-term WR3 this upcoming season. Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. are the new dynamic playmakers for this offensive roster, but they could use a No. 3 receiver to give them that last push. Tolbert is the perfect match in this situation and team with Dyami Brown, so Trevor Lawrence has two speedy weapons that can execute situational plays.
Buffalo Bills
Despite not re-signing Amari Cooper, the Bills are still in the market for a wide receiver. Elijah Moore has untapped potential, but they could sign or trade for another weapon behind him to provide more of a boost. Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer are the lockdown starters, but Tolbert coming in could put the Bills atop a competitive AFC division.
