Where do you think Jonathan Mingo slots in on the Cowboys roster?
Less than a year after being acquired via trade from the Carolina Panthers, Jonathan Mingo could already find himself fighting for a job with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. Despite the Cowboys decision to invest a 2024 fourth-round draft pick to acquire Mingo’s services, nothing is guaranteed for the 24-year-old receiver heading into his third season in the NFL.
The Cowboys were betting they could help further develop Mingo’s talent that made him a second-round pick ( 39th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft. Sadly, the small sample size we witnessed from him last season was a far cry from a ringing endorsement. In eight total games with one start in Dallas last year, Mingo only caught five of 16 passes for 46 receiving yards. That was with Dak Prescott sidelined with a season-ending hamstring injury, however, even with a backup QB his production left much to be desired.
If Mingo’s lack of production wasn’t enough, the trade to acquire George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers further complicated things. At best, that lands him fifth on the depth chart right now with a slim chance to climb in the higher due to the players ahead of him. There’s no way Mingo will unseat either CeeDee Lamb or George Pickens at the top of the depth chart, and it’s also highly unlikely he’s capable of doing that with either Jalen Tolbert or KaVontae Turpin either. That firmly puts him on the bubble competing for a roster spot.
Mingo could be facing some stiff competition from other receivers buried on the depth chart. Parris Campbell, Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Brooks, Kelvin Harmon, Traeshon Holden, and Josh Kelley will all be looking to prove their worth for a chance of one of those remaining WR roster spots.
Despite everything, Mingo still may have a leg up on the competition. Like we mentioned earlier, he’s still just 24 years old and has two years remaining on his rookie contract. And, there’s not another WR with his size (6’2”, 220) and speed (4.46) on Dallas’ roster.
With his physical makeup and skill set there’s hope he can still develop into a starting-caliber receiver in the NFL. He’ll have the rest of the offseason to prove himself and will need a good showing to earn the trust of his teammates and coaching staff. Nothing is guaranteed though.
