The Dallas Cowboys aren’t waving the white flag just yet! Despite a tough 3-5 record and QB Dak Prescott battling a hamstring injury, the Cowboys are swinging for the fences with a strategic move to bolster their offense. They’ve traded with the Carolina Panthers to bring in Jonathan Mingo, a young wide receiver with potential, to help support the team’s quest to stay in the playoff hunt. But what will this acquisition cost Dallas?
Let’s dive into Mingo’s salary, the Cowboys’ spending on him, and how he might fit into their lineup.
Jonathan Mingo’s Contract Breakdown: What Are The Dallas Cowboys Paying?
The Cowboys will be paying Jonathan Mingo over three years on his rookie contract. Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of what Dallas will owe:
- 2024: $576,286 (guaranteed)
- 2025: $1,555,145 (guaranteed)
- 2026: $1,957,718 (guaranteed)
These numbers highlight Dallas’s commitment to draft capital and salary investment to see what Mingo can bring to the team.
What Did The Dallas Cowboys Trade To Acquire Mingo?
Dallas sent a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Panthers, receiving Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick in return. This exchange has raised some eyebrows. Why pay a premium for a second-year receiver when other big-name wideouts like DeAndre Hopkins and Diontae Johnson went for less?
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NFL insider Ian Rapoport tweeted, “Jonathan Mingo never reached his potential in Carolina, but the Cowboys believe he has a high ceiling and that he will benefit from a fresh start.” While Mingo’s numbers aren’t eye-popping, his age and potential caught Dallas’s attention.
Why The Cowboys Are Betting Big On Mingo?
So, what makes Mingo worth a fourth-round pick? Here’s the big picture: Mingo is only 23 and has a large frame (6-2, 220 pounds), making him physically present in the receiving group. Although his stats with Carolina this season are modest—12 receptions for 121 yards in nine games—Dallas is betting that he’ll develop with their coaching and system.
Mingo was highly productive as a rookie for Carolina in 2023, starting 14 games and catching 43 passes on 85 targets for 418 yards. However, his production dwindled this season, partially due to the emergence of Panthers rookie WRs Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, which saw Mingo’s role shrink. Over the last four games, he recorded only one catch for a single yard on five targets.
Cowboys’ WR Depth Chart: Where Does Jonathan Mingo Fit?
For now, Mingo joins a talented Cowboys receiving group but will need to work his way up the depth chart. Here’s a look at the current lineup:
- CeeDee Lamb
- Jalen Tolbert
- Jalen Brooks
- Jonathan Mingo
- KaVontae Turpin
- Ryan Flournoy
While Mingo will likely compete with Jalen Brooks for the No. 3 spot, he’s not expected to start immediately. With Brandin Cooks sidelined by a knee injury, Mingo may get a chance to show what he can do, but the Cowboys appear to be playing the long game with him. The idea is for him to grow into a reliable complement to Lamb in the coming years, ideally ready to make a bigger impact in 2025 and beyond.
