Ah, the familiar scent of desperation. NY Giants fans have caught whiffs of it from Dallas Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones for decades. But now, that aroma is stronger than ever.
True to his word, Jones announced on 105.3 The Fan Tuesday (Cowboys radio network) that the Cowboys would trade for a wide receiver before the deadline. Just minutes after his statement made the rounds on social media, Dallas finalized a deal with the Carolina Panthers for Jonathan Mingo.
According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the Cowboys traded a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Panthers in exchange for Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick.
All NY Giants fans can do is laugh at Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys had their eyes on Jonathan Mingo leading up to the 2023 draft, but his production has been far from impressive. In 24 games, the second-rounder has managed only 55 catches for 539 yards, no touchdowns, and not a single game over 70 receiving yards. Dallas may see potential, but comparing him to receivers like Jalen Tolbert doesn’t make him seem like much of an upgrade.
Trade! The #Cowboys are acquiring WR Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick from the #Panthers for a 2025 fourth-round pick, per sources. pic.twitter.com/TQhbRzfTA8
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 5, 2024
To make matters worse, Dallas traded a fourth-round pick for Mingo, while proven receivers like Diontae Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins went for less.
Jonathan Mingo may be caught in the crossfire, but it’s not his fault Dallas overpaid. The Cowboys gave up more for Mingo (who has just 55 catches and under 600 yards in 25 games) than Carolina got for Diontae Johnson, a proven WR1 in their trade with the Baltimore Ravens.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs snagged DeAndre Hopkins for a conditional fifth-round pick, making Dallas’s move look even worse.
Trade prices for WRs moved during the 2024 season:
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) November 5, 2024
Davante Adams ➡️ 2025 3rd
Amari Cooper ➡️ ‘25 3rd, ‘26 7th*
DeAndre Hopkins ➡️ ‘25 5th
Diontae Johnson ➡️ ‘25 5th**
Jonathan Mingo ➡️ ‘25 4th***
* BUF also received a ‘25 6th
** BAL also received a ‘25 6th
*** DAL also received… https://t.co/kvVB17bFUX pic.twitter.com/OGVUJfNLiu
Hopkins showcased his value with an impressive performance in the Chiefs’ recent overtime win, hauling in eight catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Comparing Hopkins to Mingo might be unfair, but the similar trade compensation only underscores how Dallas mishandled this deal. For the price they paid, Dallas might have done better to pursue a seasoned, game-changing receiver rather than an unproven player.
If Mingo doesn’t pan out, Dallas might regret losing yet another valuable draft pick, especially given their need for long-term impact players.
In the end, this trade reeks of a hasty, desperate move that could haunt Dallas in the 2025 draft. For Giants fans, it’s another classic case of Jerry Jones missing the mark. At least we can savor that.