Cowboys Face Backlash Over Jonathan Mingo Trade: Did They Get 'Fleeced'?

DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys are facing scrutiny from their fanbase after trading for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers just before the 2024 trade deadline. The Cowboys parted ways with a 2025 fourth-round draft pick in exchange for Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick, a deal that has sparked significant debate among fans and analysts alike.

Mingo, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Mississippi, has had a modest season to date, totaling just 12 receptions for 121 yards in nine games with the Panthers. His lack of touchdowns has raised questions about whether he's ready to make a significant impact on a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Adding fuel to the fire, news broke on Tuesday that Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott may be heading to injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. This development puts more pressure on the Cowboys to ensure that their offensive strategy remains strong, putting Mingo's acquisition under the spotlight.

Critics have drawn comparisons to other notable trades involving wide receivers this season. For instance, the Kansas City Chiefs recently acquired former Pro Bowl performer DeAndre Hopkins for a fifth-round pick, which could potentially upgrade to a fourth-round selection. This has led many to question why the Cowboys would spend a higher draft capital for a less proven player like Mingo.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had previously been high on Mingo, once believing he had the talent worthy of a top-50 selection. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys' front office sees potential in Mingo and hopes that a change of scenery will ignite his career.

The trade, however, has not earned a warm reception when compared to the previous trade of star wide receiver Amari Cooper, who was dealt to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round pick and a swap of sixth-round picks. Cooper has since been traded again to the Buffalo Bills, showing the volatility in the wide receiver market this season.

Other recent trades accentuate the complexity of negotiations around wide receivers this year. The New York Jets snagged Davante Adams for a conditional third-round pick, while the Baltimore Ravens traded a fifth-round pick for Diontae Johnson. The Cowboys' move for Mingo seems to juxtapose their strategic approach with the aggressiveness shown by other teams in pursuing high-caliber talent.

As the Cowboys look to navigate these turbulent waters, one thing is clear: the pressure is mounting to see if Mingo can rise to the occasion and justify the trade that some fans believe might have left the team 'fleece.' Will he prove the doubters wrong, or will this trade become a cautionary tale of missed opportunities? Only time will tell.