The Dallas Cowboys’ minicamp is in full swing at The Star, and the wide receiver room is buzzing with competition. The team’s blockbuster offseason trade for Pittsburgh Steelers’ star George Pickens is already making waves, with reports describing him as “unguardable” in practice. However, an unexpected name is turning heads alongside him: Jonathan Mingo, the former Carolina Panthers wideout acquired last season, is showing signs of a breakout.
Last year, ahead of the NFL trade deadline, the Cowboys sent a fourth-round pick to the Panthers for Mingo, a former second-round selection out of Ole Miss. While Mingo’s professional career has yet to fully take off, his performances during minicamp suggest he’s ready to compete for a spot in Dallas’ crowded wide receiver rotation.
According to Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com, Mingo made a strong impression during Tuesday’s practice. He hauled in a pair of standout catches, one under tight double coverage and another along the sideline, showcasing his athleticism and potential during the media’s viewing window. These flashes are exactly what the Cowboys hoped to see when they targeted Mingo in the 2023 NFL Draft, drawn to his collegiate success at Ole Miss.
Mingo’s numbers with the Panthers—55 catches for 539 yards over one-and-a-half seasons—were modest, and his stint with Dallas last year was quiet. In eight appearances, he was targeted just 16 times, managing five receptions for 46 yards. Despite this, the Cowboys remain optimistic about unlocking the potential they saw in him as a draft prospect.
As the 2025 season approaches, the battle for snaps in the Cowboys’ wide receiver group is heating up. With Pickens dominating and Mingo showing promise, the competition is as tight as a drum. Mingo still has work to do to secure a consistent role, but his recent performances suggest he could be a surprise contributor in Big D this fall.