Six years ago, the Dallas Cowboys made headlines with a midseason trade for Amari Cooper, a move that sparked an impressive run to the playoffs. Now, after a slow 3-5 start, the Cowboys have brought in another wide receiver, Jonathan Mingo, aiming to bolster a lackluster offense. But the similarities between the two trades stop at the position.
Unlike Cooper in 2018, Mingo is not an established Pro Bowler; he’s a young receiver with untapped potential. Dallas sent a fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for Mingo and a seventh-round pick in 2025. At best, this trade is an investment in Mingo’s development rather than a spark for immediate impact.
Dallas needs upgrades in several areas: running back, offensive line, defensive line, and safety all could have used reinforcement. This season’s struggles extend beyond any one player or position, a different situation from 2018 when the Cowboys were strong across the board but lacked a true top receiver. The addition of Cooper that year addressed a clear need, helping Dallas go from 3-5 to the playoffs. But in Mingo’s case, he’s simply a player to develop rather than an instant game-changer.
In the past, Cowboys found a spark with WR trade. Don’t expect history to repeat itself https://t.co/Fjq1nSBIZY
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) November 6, 2024
While Mingo showed promise during the Cowboys’ pre-draft visits, the initial reaction to this trade has been lukewarm. Many fans still question the team’s choice to spend another fourth-round pick on a young player following last season’s trade for quarterback Trey Lance, which hasn’t yet yielded results.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is already facing criticism over recent decisions, but the Mingo deal likely involved the entire front office and coaching staff. “I don’t think it’s as much as what you need; it’s really what’s available and does it help you get better,” head coach Mike McCarthy explained. “It all has to fit together.”
While it’s clear the Cowboys saw potential in Mingo, it’s also clear this trade isn’t the same high-stakes move that Cooper once was. Dallas is betting on Mingo’s upside, but only time will reveal whether he brings the impact they hope for. One thing is certain, however—this is not Amari Cooper, Take Two.
