By Blessing 
The 2024 season for the Dallas Cowboys was a story of two players, both named Jalen, each taking distinct paths on the field.
Jalen Tolbert, selected as a third-round pick in 2022, had a breakthrough year. He started 15 of the 17 games he played in, amassing 610 yards and seven touchdowns on 49 catches. This was a significant improvement, as he more than doubled his catches and yardage compared to his first two seasons combined.
Over the course of his career, Tolbert has accumulated 890 yards and nine touchdowns on 73 receptions. This strong performance came at a crucial time for the young receiver, as he’s set to earn nearly $3.5 million this year and will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season. It’s clear he’s chosen the right moment to step up and show his potential.
On the other hand, Jalen Brooks, a seventh-round pick in the 2023 draft, had a quieter 2024 season, though there’s still hope for his future. Brooks started just one game in 14 appearances and had a modest 12 catches for 177 yards. His lone touchdown, a 17-yard reception against the Carolina Panthers, marked the first of his career. In total, Brooks has made 18 catches for 241 yards over two seasons.
For Brooks, 2025 could be a make-or-break year. If he doesn’t make an impact in Dallas, he may find himself elsewhere, as his numbers to date haven’t been enough to secure a solid spot on the team.
Looking ahead to 2025, both Tolbert and Brooks may find themselves in line for more playing time. With Brandin Cooks likely leaving the team, both receivers could see more opportunities to start. However, there are a couple of factors that could drastically change the situation.
One such factor is Jonathan Mingo. Like Brooks, Mingo will be entering his third season, but he was drafted in the second round by the Carolina Panthers in 2023. The Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick for Mingo after they had high hopes for him during that year’s draft. Mingo’s presence could add extra competition, particularly for Brooks, who will have to prove himself in a potentially crowded receiving corps.
Another wildcard is the upcoming 2025 draft. Some mock drafts suggest that the Cowboys could take a wide receiver in the first round. If this happens, Brooks might find himself farther down the depth chart, and Tolbert could end up in a fierce competition with Mingo for the WR3 position.
If the Cowboys don’t draft a receiver, Tolbert will likely remain as the starter opposite CeeDee Lamb. After his solid 2024 campaign, he’ll need to continue building on that momentum in the new season.
Brooks has shown flashes of talent but still needs to put together a breakout season. The arrival of Mingo, or even a top rookie, could add pressure, especially since the Cowboys need their receivers to consistently perform.
In the short term, both players will be on the roster in 2025, barring any trades. Both have the potential to contribute, but they could also become expendable if Mingo, or a rookie wideout, shines brighter than expected.
As for the long-term outlook, Brooks’ position is more uncertain. His contract situation is less of a financial burden to the Cowboys, as he’ll be making just over $1 million in 2025 and around $1.14 million in 2026. These numbers give the team flexibility in terms of cap space and could make it easier to move on from him if needed. Mingo’s contract is a bit more significant—he’ll earn about $1.5 million in 2025 and close to $2 million in 2026 before he becomes a free agent in 2027.
Meanwhile, Tolbert appears to be in the strongest position among all of the Cowboys’ receivers not named Lamb. With a healthy 2025 season, he’s likely to be a starter, even if the team drafts another wideout in the first few rounds. At worst, Tolbert could end up as the team’s third receiver.
Brooks, however, faces more of an uphill battle. His career numbers are relatively low, and his contract isn’t expensive enough to prevent the Cowboys from cutting him if things don’t improve. If Brooks hopes to stay in Dallas long-term, 2025 will likely be his last chance to prove his worth.
In conclusion, the futures of Tolbert and Brooks will hinge on their performances in 2025, with Tolbert in a stronger position and Brooks needing a breakout season to stay relevant in Dallas’ long-term plans.