Carolina traded Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick…
Carolina traded Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick to Dallas for the Cowboys' 2025 fourth-round pick, later No. 114. Mingo produced only five catches for 46 yards in eight Dallas games in 2024 and one catch for 25 yards in 2025, while Carolina converted the premium pick into additional roster value. The production gap makes the Panthers the clear winner.
Carolina Panthers Received
- pick 2025 4th round pick (114th overall, Trevor Etienne)
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Jonathan Mingo
- pick 2025 7th round pick (247th overall, Tommy Akingbesote )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Dallas acquired Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick from Carolina on November 5, 2024, while the Panthers received the Cowboys' 2025 fourth-round selection. Mingo was only in his second NFL season and had been the 39th overall pick in 2023, so Dallas was buying developmental upside rather than a proven veteran rental. Carolina chose the more certain asset: an additional fourth-rounder.
How the Value Developed
Mingo never generated the receiving production needed to justify the price. In eight games for Dallas after the 2024 trade, he caught five passes for 46 yards. His 2025 season added only one reception for 25 yards in six games. Carolina's acquired fourth-round pick became No. 114, a significantly better roster-building asset than the seventh-rounder sent back to Dallas. The Panthers later used that slot as part of their 2025 draft class.
Why Carolina Gets the Edge
The Cowboys can defend the idea behind the move: Mingo was young, athletic and under team control, and Dallas also received a seventh-round pick. But the trade price assumed a developmental jump that did not happen. Carolina effectively reset value on a former high selection before his market disappeared completely. Receiving a fourth-round pick for a receiver who subsequently contributed 71 yards across two Dallas seasons is a strong recovery.
Final Verdict
Carolina earns a B+ and the win, while Dallas receives a D. The Cowboys' gamble was understandable because of Mingo's age and draft pedigree, but the on-field return was far below the cost. The Panthers captured the more useful asset and avoided carrying the development risk.