As one of the best wide receivers waits for his well-deserved contract extension, the time away from the team has allowed Jalen Tolbert to get bolstered time in CeeDee Lamb’s absence.
Let me first say that we should hope Lamb returns tomorrow, but until he gets a new contract or September rolls around, he probably won’t be in the building.
With that said, the path for more playing time has never been better for Tolbert.
Michael Gallup is now fully out of the picture, as he was released this offseason and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Zay Jones was in for a visit about a month ago, and after he decided to sign with the Arizona Cardinals, it is becoming clear they won’t add any other outside free agents to the WR room.
CeeDee Lamb Out
As much as we all want Lamb in the building, and hopefully, he will be by the time September rolls around. Lamb being gone is allowing Tolbert to get a lot of extra reps.
Tolbert is a third-round pick in 2022. He struggled to see the field during his rookie season but looked much better last season. He even out-snapped Gallup three or four times.
Still, he hasn’t been able to produce in his first two seasons. Last season, he played in all 17 games but only had 22 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns.
Brandin Cooks has been the first one to praise him and thinks this season could be a big one for him.
“The way that he’s able to talk about a route or the way he’s able to tell the quarterback the way he sees things, he’s not shy anymore,” Cooks said. “He’s able to go up to Dak (Prescott) and say, ‘Hey, I seen it this way,’ and it’s awesome to see him grow in that aspect.”
“He’s ready to go. Whatever the expectation is for him out there, I’m telling you he’s going to crush it. He’s ready.”
I am glad that with Lamb away, the young wide receivers have a player like Cooks who can be there to help them, give them confidence, and keep them up to speed. I am expecting Cooks to have a very solid season in his second year with Dallas.
Look for him to get back to his 1,000 yard ways. Going to have a nice year.
Lamb not being there allows Cooks to be the primary target during the offseason, Tolbert as the no. 2, and then also allows guys like Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy to gain extended reps they normally wouldn’t get if Lamb was present.
Realistic Expectations for Tolbert?
With all that said, what are Jalen Tolbert’s realistic expectations in 2024?
It is hard to predict a stat line for the third guy, but in an offense that will likely struggle to run the football, Tolbert should have his best year as a pro.
I am not expecting off-the-wall numbers, still, I could see him nearing 50 catches. If Lamb and Cooks both stay healthy and Tolbert is the third guy all season I think we could see something like 610 yards on 48 catches and 4 touchdowns.
Those numbers could be better if either Cooks or Lamb had to miss any type of time. Maybe even Jake Ferguson because he has become a new favorite target of Dak Prescott.
Whether Lamb returns tomorrow or two months from now, Tolbert has to be ready. It sounds like he is and has the trust of guys like Cooks. This team is going to be interesting, a tough schedule early with a flurry of home games to end the year.