Cowboys Trading Receiver Jalen Tolbert Becoming Hot NFL Rumor

FRISCO - When does a trade "idea'' ... become a "rumor'' ... which becomes a "story''?

The Dallas Cowboys receiver depth chart behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is rather jumbled, but, we might argue, "jumbled'' in a good way.

How so?

Every indication is that KaVontae Turpin is now viewed as "more than a return man,'' and is valued as maybe the No. 3 wideout here.

And then ...

Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, Jonathan Mingo, Traeshon Holden and Ryan Flournoy are all part of the group hoping to make their way in Brian Schottenheimer's offense.

Holden and Mingo have certainly flashed during training camp ... and have "ceilings'' that the Cowboys have yet to discover - in a good way.

Tolbert, meanwhile, seems to be thought of 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 regarding WR Jalen Tolbert and a trade?''

Somewhat naturally, all of this has been twisted into the idea that ... a trade is happening.

Yet, when listening to coach Brian Schottenheimer talk on Tolbert, it is clear the head coach is very high 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 guy comes off a season where he has seven touchdown passes, leads the team, he's just a guy that's going to always do right. He's going to block, he's so selfless and such just a great teammate.

Tolbert, the coach said, "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.

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 teams will be clamoring to give the Cowboys something of value in exchange for a fifth receiver?

If Dallas could flip Tolbert for a starting nose tackle or a starting cornerback? That's worthy of discussion, in the media and in the building.

But short of that? This is a media trade "idea'' ... that's become a "rumor'' ... that's becomes a "story.''