To say Jonathan Mingo’s time with the Dallas Cowboys has been disappointing is a bit of an understatement. Acquired in a trade back in November of 2024, Mingo has logged just five receptions for a total of 71 yards with Dallas. In that time, Mingo has only managed to pull in 30 percent of his targets. He’s not only failed to score a touchdown for the Cowboys, but he’s failed to score a single touchdown in his entire career.
At 6-foot-2, 220-pounds, much more was expected from the former second-round pick. More was expected by Carolina who used the No. 39 pick on Mingo. And more was expected by the Cowboys who sent a fourth-round pick to the Panthers in exchange for Mingo (along with Carolina’s seventh-round pick).
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2026 is the last season on Mingo’s rookie deal and with a cap charge of $1,957,719 and zero guaranteed money on the books, there are no assurances he’ll be back. He’ll need to show the coaching staff something – anything – that would warrant a nearly two-million-dollar cap hit next year because up until now, his only value has been his potential.
By most accounts the Cowboys will do what they can to retain breakout receiver George Pickens this offseason. The free agent to-be will likely be looking at the franchise tag placeholder as negotiations take place. With CeeDee Lamb firmly entrenched as WR1, Pickens penciled in at WR2 and Ryan Flournoy the early favorite for the WR3 spot next year, the open position battles figure to begin at WR4. It’s here where Mingo must make his case.
Consistent route running, reliable run blocking and solid special teams play could very well earn Mingo a spot. Big catches in Week 18 would be great this week, but they aren’t necessary since it’s a down-roster role Mingo is essentially auditioning for.
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The last week of the season might not mean much to the Cowboys as an organization but it sure means something to some of the players. For Mingo it’s a chance to meet modest expectations and justify a roster spot in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Promising Cowboys WR playing for his future has Giant opportunity