### Panthers and Bears Make Strategic Trades Amid Struggling Seasons

In a series of keenly watched NFL trades, the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears have both chosen to part ways with key players in the hopes of bolstering future prospects.

The Carolina Panthers sent wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round draft pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick. Mingo, a second-round pick in the 2023 draft, had increasingly fallen out of favor with head coach Dave Canales. After initially averaging nearly 49 snaps per game through Weeks 3 to 5, Mingo saw drastically reduced playing time, appearing in just 15 or fewer snaps in two of the past three games. This move by the Panthers aligns with their broader strategy to rebuild, spurred on by the early benching of quarterback Bryce Young and a slew of season losses, cementing yet another sub-.500 season.

The Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, view the acquisition of Mingo as a long-term investment. With quarterback Dak Prescott anticipated to be sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Cowboys are unlikely to clinch a playoff spot. Nonetheless, Mingo, whose contract extends through 2026, brings considerable potential to their roster. Although Mingo’s career stats—55 receptions for 539 yards and no touchdowns—have yet to impress, the Cowboys hope to develop his raw talent into a reliable second or third receiving option.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears traded running back Khalil Herbert to the Cincinnati Bengals for a 2025 seventh-round pick. This decision arose after a season-ending neck injury to Bengals running back Zack Moss, leaving Cincinnati in dire need of depth behind starter Chase Brown. Herbert, who had become a healthy scratch for the past two weeks, welcomed the trade, as evidenced by his immediate "Thank you God" tweet post-announcement. The Bears, primarily focused on running backs D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, saw little future for Herbert and opted to gain a draft pick for the soon-to-be free agent.

In another notable trade, the Cleveland Browns parted ways with defensive end Za'Darius Smith, sending him along with a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Detroit Lions for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. The Lions targeted Smith following an injury to Aidan Hutchinson, and while Smith may not replace Hutchinson entirely, his five sacks this season underscore his still-potent pass-rushing abilities. The Browns, grappling with a disappointing season and hefty cap hits from quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract, seem poised to shed veteran contracts like Smith’s.

Lastly, the Denver Broncos traded edge rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick. The Cardinals, in need of improved pass rush capabilities, seized the opportunity to tap into Browning’s potential. Although Browning has battled injuries and seen his role diminish, his 9.5 sacks over the previous two seasons indicate a promising upside.

These trades underscore the strategic approaches teams are taking as they navigate challenging seasons and look ahead to building more competitive rosters in the future.