The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move in response to their underwhelming 3-5 record by trading for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers. This decision comes as the team faces urgent playoff prospects, with only a few teams in the NFC having lower chances of making the postseason, according to Football Power Index (FPI).
The Cowboys, still remembering the impact of a similar mid-season trade in 2018 for Amari Cooper, have acquired Mingo for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick and a seventh-round pick in return. Mingo, who was selected in the second round of the 2023 draft, has tallied 55 catches for 539 yards over his first two seasons but has yet to find the end zone.
With quarterback Dak Prescott likely heading to injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, the optimism surrounding this trade may be tempered. By the time Prescott is anticipated to return in December, the team’s record and playoff hopes could be in jeopardy.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has suggested that the team is looking to bolster their receiving corps, highlighting the franchise’s high regard for Mingo during the draft process. While acquiring Mingo may not deliver immediate results this season, there is potential for him to develop into a key player alongside CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert in the future, especially given that Mingo is under contract until 2026.
On the bright side, Mingo has the physical attributes that could translate into success—standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 220 pounds, he has shown speed with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. Despite not having had explosive performances so far, his past potential at Ole Miss, where he recorded 51 catches for 861 yards in his final year, offers hope that he can develop further in the Cowboys’ system.
However, the Cowboys’ decision to part with a fourth-round pick raises questions about their recent draft decisions, especially when considering how they previously gave up similar capital for quarterback Trey Lance, who has yet to prove his worth. The success of the Mingo trade hinges on his ability to rise above his current status and become more than just another draft pick lost in the shuffle.
In summary, while the trade for Mingo may not provide an immediate spark for the struggling Cowboys, it positions the team to potentially enhance its future receiving options. The hope remains that Mingo can grow into a significant contributor and help revitalize the Cowboys’ offense once Prescott is back on the field.