### Cowboys' Trade for Jonathan Mingo Raises Eyebrows in NFL Circles

The Dallas Cowboys made headlines just before the NFL trade deadline, opting to exchange a 2025 fourth-round pick for second-year Carolina Panthers receiver Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick. The move, intended to bolster the team, has sparked considerable debate among NFL executives and former players.

NFL Network's Jane Slater revealed via X that an anonymous general manager from another team criticized the trade, describing the compensation as "too much." The GM elaborated, saying, "Talented. A little raw. Comp is too much...like way too much. Basically a net 5th. Probably is most like Tolbert of the guys there." This sentiment was echoed by a talent evaluator who conveyed their disapproval with a vomiting emoji, suggesting the deal should have been a simple sixth for seventh-round pick swap.

Jonathan Mingo, who was a second-round pick in the 2023 draft out of Ole Miss, has recorded 12 receptions for 121 yards with zero touchdowns across nine games this season. While there is an acknowledgment of his potential, the consensus is that he is still largely unproven in the league. "He's in year two of his rookie deal. Has a skill set but raw, hasn't produced in the league yet," another anonymous GM commented.

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III also weighed in on the trade, pointing out the disparity in trade value compared to other recent deals. "The Dallas Cowboys gave up more to get Jonathan Mingo than the Kansas City Chiefs did to get DeAndre Hopkins. Lord have mercy," Griffin posted on X. This sentiment was shared by Kevin Gray Jr. of DLLS Sports, who expressed shock over the Cowboys giving up a fourth-round pick for a player who had only one reception since mid-October.

Despite the widespread criticism, a Cowboys source defended the decision, explaining that the team saw promise in Mingo's college performance and believe he has the tools to become a productive NFL wide receiver. The move is part of a larger strategy to revitalize the team, which is grappling with a 3-5 record following three consecutive losses, the latest being a 27-21 defeat to the Falcons.

Adding to their woes, starting quarterback Dak Prescott is expected to be sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated that Prescott is "likely" to be placed on injured reserve, which means Cooper Rush will step in as the starter with Trey Lance as his backup.

The Cowboys are set to face a tough challenge when they host the Philadelphia Eagles, who currently hold a 6-2 record, in their upcoming Week 10 matchup.