The Dallas Cowboys set social media buzzing with the acquisition of Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo in a trade that quickly drew criticism from fans, analysts, and even some NFL insiders. Early Tuesday morning, the Cowboys traded a 2025 fourth-round pick to Carolina in exchange for Mingo and a seventh-round pick, prompting many to question the cost and necessity of the deal.
While the Cowboys’ roster has struggled at 3-5 this season, and owner Jerry Jones has faced pressure to make moves, the Mingo trade left critics skeptical. Former Heisman winner and current ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III expressed his surprise, noting, “The Dallas Cowboys gave up more to get Jonathan Mingo than the Kansas City Chiefs did to get DeAndre Hopkins. Lord have mercy,” referring to the Chiefs’ recent fifth-round pick trade for Hopkins.
I know that my WR stats are not divorced from QB play but last year Mingo had the second-lowest receiving DYAR in a season EVER. This year he has 12 receptions. How on earth is this worth a fourth-round pick? https://t.co/M7RrKKny6K
— Aaron Schatz 🏈 (@ASchatzNFL) November 5, 2024
The broader NFL media was quick to weigh in, with many pointing to Mingo’s stats and the team’s ongoing pattern of puzzling trades. Mingo, who joined the Panthers as a second-round pick in 2023, has only 12 receptions for 121 yards this season, and a career total of 418 yards without a touchdown in his young career. NFL Network insiders cited an unnamed GM who bluntly described Mingo as “talented, but a little raw,” adding that the Cowboys may have overpaid significantly for the potential value.
The #Cowboys traded their 2025 4th round pick to Carolina for this guy.
I just don’t get this. Mingo is JAG. pic.twitter.com/odfw0HIu7l— Newy Scruggs (@newyscruggs) November 5, 2024
Reactions on social media and from fans underscored the growing discontent over the Cowboys’ decision-making. Many were quick to recall recent trades, comparing the fourth-round pick given up for Mingo to other controversial moves by the Cowboys, including sending a fifth-round pick to the Browns in exchange for wide receiver Amari Cooper.
You ever write the essay on your way to school? https://t.co/O15z1YXoHT
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) November 5, 2024
Even in the wake of the criticism, Jones doubled down on his decision, maintaining confidence that Mingo could fill a gap in the roster. Whether this move pays off or adds to the Cowboys’ list of questionable trades, only time will tell. As fans continue to express concern, the spotlight is on Mingo to prove he can live up to the investment and make an impact for the Cowboys’ struggling offense.
