Jonathan Mingo Surprised by Trade to Cowboys After Short Stint with Panthers

New Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo was left shocked by his unexpected trade from the Carolina Panthers after just under two seasons. Mingo, who had been informed by his agent that a trade was unlikely, was blindsided when the deal went through.

“It kind of blindsided me because my agent told me he didn’t think anything was going to happen. There’s a slim chance,” Mingo shared on Thursday through the Cowboys’ official website. “So that slim chance happened. I’m happy to be a Cowboy, fresh start for me, new beginnings, God put me here for a reason.”

The Trade and Its Surprising Impact on Mingo’s Career

The trade saw the Dallas Cowboys send a 2025 fourth-round pick to Carolina in exchange for Mingo and a seventh-round pick. The decision to drop three rounds for the young wide receiver raised questions among fans and analysts, especially considering the Cowboys’ history of drafting standout players in the middle rounds. However, Dallas is clearly banking on their pre-draft evaluation of Mingo, whom they selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

“You got to trust the draft process because you put so much into it, that grade always carries weight when he does go somewhere else and becomes available,” said Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy. “We definitely liked Mingo in the draft process, and he has a lot of the characteristics that you look for… We’re excited for the opportunity to have him part of it.”

Mingo’s Potential as a Future Asset for the Cowboys

Dallas sees Mingo as an asset not just for the 2024 season, but also for the long-term future, given his young age and over two years of team control. Although he showed glimpses of potential in his 24 games with Carolina, Mingo struggled with consistency and route running, which limited his overall development. Despite these issues, his 6-foot-2 frame and natural talent have given hope to the Cowboys that they can help him reach his full potential.

“There are things I felt like I could’ve done better [in Carolina], just trying to be more consistent, trying to prove to them what I can be,” Mingo admitted. “They got me out of there so it is what it is, I’m here now so I can prove to people what I can do and show them the best version of me.”

Mingo’s New Opportunity in Dallas

Now with the Dallas Cowboys, Jonathan Mingo is focused on making the most of his new opportunity. He is determined to prove himself and showcase his skills at the NFL level, aiming to show the Cowboys and the football world the best version of himself.