New Cowboys WR Makes First Comments Since Trade to Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys made one of the more shocking trades on Tuesday, acquiring second-year wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick from the Carolina Panthers. The Cowboys gave up a 2025 fourth-round pick in the deal, which didn’t make fans happy, but Dallas believed they needed another pass-catcher.

Dallas is taking a gamble on the young receiver, who they reportedly had a third-round grade on heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

On Thursday, Mingo spoke to reporters for the first time since the trade and looks forward to the new opportunity.

“This is a fresh start for me…. I’m glad they took a chance on me so I can show them what I can do,” he said (h/t Jon Machota of The Athletic). “Somebody finally believed in me, so I can show them what I can do. I’m just happy to be here.”

With star wideout CeeDee Lamb banged up and Brandin Cooks still on IR, Mingo has a good chance to make an impact in the Cowboys’ passing game. 

Former third-round pick Jalen Tolbert has stepped up since Cooks’ injury, which is a great sign. However, the Cowboys don’t have a solid WR3, which is where Mingo comes into play. In nine games with the Panthers this season, the 23-year-old only had 12 receptions (26 targets) for 121 yards.

Those aren’t earth-shattering numbers and it doesn’t help that Mingo has a 7.7 drop% (dropped passes per target). However, this fresh start could be what the former Panthers wideout needs to be successful.

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