The Dallas Cowboys are set to give wide receiver Jonathan Mingo his debut after acquiring him in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. Mingo, selected 39th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, brings impressive athleticism to a wide-open receiver group following the trade of D.J. Moore. When Mingo and rookie quarterback Bryce Young were both brought into the Panthers’ fold, the team envisioned them forming a dynamic connection for years to come.
However, that vision never came to fruition, as both players struggled during their rookie seasons. While Young’s difficulties have been well-documented, Mingo posted just 43 catches for 418 yards and no touchdowns on 85 targets, ranking among the least effective receivers.
His challenges continued into 2024, as he was overtaken by rookies Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, finishing with only 12 receptions for 121 yards in nine games.
Despite his rocky start, the Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick for Mingo’s services, confident that a change of environment could help him reach his potential. With over two seasons remaining on his rookie contract, Jerry Jones is optimistic about what Mingo can bring.
Mingo recently expressed that the trade caught him off guard but that he’s eager to prove himself with the Cowboys. “It kind of blindsided me, because my agent told me there was a slim chance anything would happen, and that slim chance came true. I’m happy to be a Cowboy—a fresh start for me, new beginnings, and I believe God put me here for a reason.”
Jonathan Mingo “Blindsided” By Cowboys, Panthers Trade
Mingo mentioned that the Panthers didn’t intend to trade him, likely because they didn’t believe they could secure a fourth-round pick for him. It was mostly a buyer’s market, with players like Diontae Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins bringing in smaller returns than Mingo.
Despite being a top-40 pick just two years ago, Mingo has struggled as one of the NFL’s least effective receivers since joining the league. However, Jones appears unconcerned, as he has two and a half years to evaluate whether Mingo can live up to his pre-draft potential.
Mingo will have a chance to prove himself in Dallas. While CeeDee Lamb remains the clear leader in the passing game, the WR2 role is up for grabs. Brandin Cooks, a seasoned veteran, is slowing down and will be a free agent after the season, and Jalen Tolbert is primarily a reliable depth option.
Don’t expect much from Mingo in 2024, as he’ll need to adapt to a new playbook while working with the underperforming Cooper Rush. However, when Dak Prescott returns in 2025, Mingo will finally have an opportunity to demonstrate his skills with a capable quarterback.
The Panthers Pick
The Panthers must be pleased with the outcome of the Jonathan Mingo trade. At the time, Mingo had already fallen behind Legette, Coker, and fourth-round tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders on the depth chart, and it seemed unlikely he would make the team in 2025. So, receiving anything of value in exchange for him is a positive, especially given the Cowboys’ struggles.
With a 3-6 record, the Dallas Cowboys are among the NFL’s worst teams, and it’s hard to see that improving. Head coach Mike McCarthy’s job is in jeopardy, and with Cooper Rush and backup Trey Lance unable to lift a flawed roster, the team lacks both the talent and drive to compete.
Dallas could very well end up with a top-five or top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, giving Carolina the chance to land a promising player outside the top 100. While the Mingo pick didn’t pan out, the Panthers still have a strong opportunity to secure a valuable, cost-controlled asset for the next four years.
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