Jonathan Mingo had the perfect reaction after being traded to the Cowboys

With the season on the verge of collapse, many hoped the Dallas Cowboys would sell off some veterans on expiring contracts at the trade deadline in the name of adding more draft picks with an eye on 2025.

Ever stubborn and unwilling to give up on a season despite a mountain of evidence that Dallas isn't good enough to compete, the Cowboys parted with a 2025 fourth-round pick for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.

Whether Mingo's arrival will dissuade Dallas from drafting a receiver in April remains to be seen, but it likely means CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo will be the team's top three receivers next season.

Mingo participated in his first practice on Thursday. Wearing No. 81, Mingo was asked about the trade and he had a terrific answer.

Jonathan Mingo had an excellent reaction to surprising Cowboys trade

"This is a fresh start for me. I’m glad they took a chance on me so I can show them what I can do. Somebody finally believed in me, so I can show them what I can do. I’m just happy to be here."

- Cowboys WR Jonathan Mingo

That's exactly what Cowboys fans want to hear. A fresh start with a new organization is often times all a player needs to jumpstart their career. The 23-year-old Mingo will hopefully be the next example of that.

In 24 career games, Mingo has 55 catches for 539 yards and zero touchdowns. His catch rate, drop rate and yards per route run all rank near the bottom of the league since he was drafted. He needs to improve the nuances of his game, specifically route-running, but Dallas is hopeful a new system and improved quarterback play will help him come into his own.

READ MORE: New Jonathan Mingo trade update proves Cowboys and Jerry Jones got fleeced

Unfortunately, Mingo won't get to build chemistry with Prescott anytime soon. Prescott may miss the rest of the season and even if he returns, he and Mingo will get at most four games together. If Prescott undergoes surgery, Mingo's first reps with QB1 won't come until the offseason.

The Cowboys had a third-round grade on Mingo in the 2023 draft. While adding the former Ole Miss star is technically a move for the future since he's under contract through 2026, both the timing and price are difficult to swallow.

It has since been revealed that Carolina was "eager" to move on from Mingo, so they had absolutely no leverage. And yet, the Cowboys essentially paid a premium. Because of the desperation factor, this is another trade (looking at you, Trey Lance) that the local and national media will analyze with a fine-tooth comb.

While Mingo's price and lack of production are all the rage right now, all that matters is what happens from this point forward. He seems invigorated by the move, which is really all Cowboys fans can ask for.

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