By Blessing 
An intriguing battle for the WR3 spot is brewing as the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their offseason workouts in Oxnard, California.
When the Cowboys brought in wide receiver George Pickens, he quickly assumed the role of WR2. Meanwhile, CeeDee Lamb remains the undisputed top receiver in Dallas.
But that third wide receiver position? It’s wide open and ripe for competition.
In today’s NFL, the WR3 spot has become crucial, especially with 11 personnel sets—one running back, one tight end, and three wide receivers—being one of the most common offensive formations. For Dallas, the main contenders to claim that WR3 role appear to be Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo.
Looking at the numbers, Tolbert holds the advantage. He’s coming off a breakout 2024 season where he hauled in 49 catches for 610 yards and seven touchdowns. On the other hand, Mingo’s production with the Cowboys has been limited since his midseason trade; he managed just five receptions for 46 yards without a touchdown in eight games.
Still, some analysts predict Mingo might line up alongside Lamb and Pickens to form a fresh wide receiver trio in 2025. One big factor driving this speculation is that Dallas gave up a fourth-round pick to Carolina in the trade involving Mingo. The front office is undoubtedly eager to see him justify that investment.
Mingo stands at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, offering a physical presence that contrasts with what Dallas currently has. Tolbert, however, has already shown his value with consistent production when given opportunities.
While Dak Prescott’s passing attack will mainly feature Lamb and Pickens, the fight for that third spot is far from settled. Training camp will be key to deciding who’s ready to step up and claim the WR3 role for the Cowboys in 2025.