FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have made a strategic move by acquiring wide receiver Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers, along with a 2025 seventh-round pick, in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick. This trade was reported by sources on Tuesday.
Mingo, a second-round draft pick in 2023 from the University of Mississippi, has had a modest season so far, contributing 12 receptions for 121 yards. However, his performance has been limited, as he has only one catch in the last four games and has only had two games in his young career where he recorded more than four receptions.
In Carolina, Mingo found himself behind fellow receivers, including first-round pick Xavier Legette, undrafted rookie Jalen Coker, and David Moore. His time on the Panthers has been challenging, compounded by the injury troubles faced by veteran Adam Thielen and the departure of Diontae Johnson, which haven’t opened up more opportunities for him.
Statistically, Mingo’s performance highlights some concerns as he has averaged just 4.9 yards per target since entering the NFL, which ranks among the lowest for wide receivers with at least 50 targets in that timeframe.
For the Panthers’ general manager, Dan Morgan, trading Mingo for a fourth-round pick can be seen as a positive move as he attempts to rebuild the struggling 2-7 franchise, now facing the prospect of a seventh consecutive losing season.
In light of the Cowboys’ recent performance, which included a loss to the Atlanta Falcons that dropped their record to 3-5, owner and general manager Jerry Jones indicated on 105.3 The Fan that the team envisioned acquiring receivers as part of their strategic efforts, without expecting any major blockbuster trades.
Although this trade is not on par with past significant acquisitions like the one that brought Amari Cooper to Dallas in 2018—an event that revitalized the season—the Cowboys are hopeful that adding Mingo will enhance their receiver depth both now and in the future, especially with him contracted for two additional seasons.
With All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb nursing a sprained AC joint and Brandin Cooks working through his recovery from knee surgery, Mingo’s presence could provide crucial support. The Cowboys’ current receiving corps has faced challenges, particularly among their depth players, who have combined for only 25 catches and a single touchdown thus far.
As the Cowboys navigate a challenging season, the acquisition of Jonathan Mingo could be a stepping stone in strengthening their roster while providing him an opportunity to develop and find his rhythm in a new environment.
In a fragmented season, this trade not only reflects the Cowboys’ commitment to improving their team but also offers a glimmer of hope for Mingo to harness his potential in Dallas.