On NFL trade deadline day, the Dallas Cowboys once again find themselves in the spotlight—this time, for all the wrong reasons. Owner Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office are facing criticism from fans after trading a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.
The move quickly sparked debate among fans and analysts who took to social media to question the reasoning behind the trade. With just 12 receptions in nine games this season, Mingo hasn’t exactly been a standout in Carolina, and many wonder if giving up a future draft pick was the right decision for the Cowboys, especially at 3-5 and struggling to find consistency.
Social Media Weighs In
Jones’ decision-making has often been under scrutiny, and fans didn’t hold back this time. Many likened the trade to “fantasy football moves,” where Jones plays the role of an enthusiastic manager making unpredictable trades. Some comments pointed out that the Cowboys have, in recent years, made moves like sending Amari Cooper to the Browns for a fifth-round pick in 2022—a deal some still see as undervaluing the player.
Jerry Jones is like that fantasy manager in your league that you know you can rob so you make him offers every season. And he always bites.
— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) November 5, 2024
For Carolina, fans say the trade is a clear win. One fan joked, “Panthers rubbing hands together—‘We got one!’” Others questioned if Jones should take a step back, citing that he seems eager to take on the GM role himself, even if it doesn’t always work in the team’s favor.
The Carolina Panthers, when they found out Dallas wanted to send them a 4th Round Pick for Jonathan Mingo pic.twitter.com/A9FkwboGCl
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) November 5, 2024
“Howie did it again”
vs
“Jerry got fleeced” pic.twitter.com/NNFXdYcZIF
— depressed mpf (@demcowboysfan) November 5, 2024
The Mingo Trade: Right Move or Costly Gamble?
While Jones is confident Mingo will improve the Cowboys’ receiving corps, many see it as a slight upgrade that may not justify the price tag. With the Panthers struggling, some argue Mingo’s development was stunted, and the move could benefit both the player and the Cowboys’ offense. But given Dallas’ pressing needs on both sides of the ball, it remains to be seen if this trade will make a meaningful impact.
The cowboys gotta good one in Jonathan Mingo 👀pic.twitter.com/9CM2rkC9yW
— ŤŘĚ💰(2-7) (@Tre_Von__) November 5, 2024
As fans continue to react, one thing is certain: Jones won’t be stepping back anytime soon. The Cowboys’ decision-makers will have to answer to fans, who are now more critical than ever about how the franchise spends its valuable draft assets.
The Jonathan Mingo trade is the kind of trade made by a man who has no fear of losing his job
Jerry Jones is the Owner/President/GM and because he is, he can be as bad at his job as he wants to be because no one is firing him 😂 #DallasCowboys
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) November 5, 2024
