Former NFL GM breaks down why Cowboys paid high price for Jonathan Mingo
The Dallas Cowboys added another weapon before the trade deadline, landing Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers. The NFC East franchise isn't having a good moment, but Jerry Jones keeps finding ways to be competitive, even with Dak Prescott out for several weeks.
Former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi explained the reason behind this move in Thursday's edition of "The Pat McAfee Show."
"Dallas grade players in college, and they really liked Mingo coming out of college. They've ignored whatever has happened in pro football, and they did the same thing with Trey Lance. ... What we've seen of him as a player coming out of the draft is worth a fourth-round pick because we've really seen no evidence that we're wrong based on what we graded him in college."
The Cowboys acquired Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick from the Panthers for a 2025 fourth-rounder. He struggled to get things going during his one-and-a-half seasons with the Panthers. His performances should improve in Dallas, but with Cooper Rush leading the offense, it's unlikely that Mingo can perform at the best level without Dak Prescott on the field.
Jonathan Mingo's numbers with the Panthers
Jonathan Mingo played 24 games with the Carolina Panthers after being selected as the No. 39 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was targeted 111 times, catching 55 passes for 539 yards and zero touchdowns. He could be behind CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert on the team's depth chart but could be a serious candidate for the WR3 slot.
He played nine games this season, which was full of changes for the Panthers, with Bryce Young and Andy Dalton exchanging starts. He caught 12 passes for 121 passing yards and zero touchdowns.
The Cowboys are 3-5 after losing to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. Jonathan Mingo could be a solid addition to this roster, but fans couldn't know how he'll fare until after Prescott returns from injury.
The veteran quarterback was placed on injured reserve, meaning he'll be out for at least four weeks.