CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks are safely set top the receiver depth chart for the Cowboys, but the absence of Michael Gallup has created a vacancy for the No. 3 role in 2024. A clear candidate is in place to occupy it. 
Jon Machota of The Athletic confirms Jalen Tolbert is the “front-runner” to serve as Dallas’ other starting wideout (subscription required). The 2022 third-rounder had a sparse offensive role as a rookie, logging just 89 snaps. Last year, though, his offensive snap share rose to 40%. Tolbert scored a pair of touchdowns while averaging 12.2 yards per catch in his rotational role.
Of course, this update comes as little surprise. Dallas’ decision to move on from Gallup in a cost-shedding move was not followed up by a veteran addition. As a result, Tolbert was firmly among the team’s younger pass-catchers in line to see an uptick in usage. The 25-year-old’s performance in training camp will be worth monitoring as he looks to cement a first-team role.
Lamb’s uncertain contract status has been a central storyline for the Cowboys this offseason, and little progress has been made in negotiations. The All-Pro could very well hold out during training camp if no extension agreement is reached in the coming weeks, a move which would fall in line with his OTA and minicamp absences. Missing regular season time – something which would obviously not be guaranteed by a training camp holdout – would be critical for the Cowboys given Lamb’s franchise record-breaking performance in 2023.
Regardless of if Lamb is present during camp, Cooks will operate in another starting spot. The latter had a strong debut season in Dallas (657 yards, eight touchdowns) as a complementary option, a role which he will maintain in 2024. Expectations will be high for Tolbert presuming he does get the nod for first-team duties this year, and his ability to handle an increase in targets could be an important factor in determining Dallas’ offensive success. Failing that, other options for a larger role include the likes of KaVontae Turpin, Racey McMath, Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks.