The Cowboys are preparing for a battle at the WR3 position
The WR3 spot in Dallas is vacant following the departure of wide receiver Michael Gallup, who just departed for the bright lights of Las Vegas. The Cowboys are laying the groundwork for a titanic struggle to occur this preseason at wide out. This season, Mike McCarthy and the rest of the staff are counting on the younger guys to step up. Even while it might appear that Jalen Tolbert is the legitimate heir to the WR3 position, a few individuals could be able to challenge him head-to-head.
Many supporters wanted Tolbert to see more targets in order to unseat Gallup as the WR3 position, and he took full advantage of the chance, recording 22 catches for an average of 12.2 yards per catch and two touchdowns. It would seem that he would assume that role naturally this year, but KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks, two other players who were on this team in 2023, are also hoping to make that move.
Turpin has been used more as an offensive weapon since Mike McCarthy over the offensive play-calling duties. And although the new kickoff rule changes this season may increase McCarthy’s involvement on special teams, he shouldn’t lose sight of his ability to make plays as a pass catcher. Brooks, who is about to begin his second season, had a relatively small role in 2023, but he performed it literally to perfection. When he was needed, he went six for six with an average of 10.7 yards per grab, not missing a single pass. Come training camp, watch out for these two to step up the competition and fight for reps.
This year, the Cowboys have added another opponent to their roster: wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, a sixth-round selection from Southeast Missouri State. Flournoy is an athletic, large-framed player who has drawn comparisons to Dez Bryant.It makes sense that Flournoy would strive to contend to be the next in line for the title of “contested catch wide receiver,” as some saw Michael Gallup as Bryant’s replacement. This past weekend during the team’s rookie minicamp, he started preparing for fight.
Not all of the competitors who will compete for the WR3 spot have been confirmed. WR Martavis Bryant was one candidate the Cowboys cut from the practice squad, but this front office has demonstrated that they are willing to add even more opponents. On Wednesday, they welcomed WR Zay Jones, a free agent, to come see them. He recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals, so he won’t be participating in this battle, but it’s likely that the Cowboys will keep looking through the remaining wide receiver free agent alternatives to increase the competition
.Michael Thomas, Hunter Renfrow, Mecole Hardman, Marquez Valdes-Scanting, and Corey Davis are a few names that are still up for grabs. A number of the players that are currently on the roster have the potential to be sleepers who emerge throughout training camp. Alongside UDFA’s Cam Johnson and Corey Crooms, players like as Tyron Billy-Johnson, Jalen Cropper, David Durden, and Racey McMath are competing for a spot on the roster. Is it possible for any of them to compete for the WR3 slot?
Although Tolbert seems to be the clear winner of the WR3 position, a lot can change before the opening kickoff of the regular season, and the Cowboys plan to make it a competitive game. The competition for the WR3 title will take place against the backdrop of training camp and preseason. Who will win in the end?
