Rumored Suitor For Patriots Wideout Opts For Different Trade

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly acquired a wide receiver, which likely eliminates them as a potential trade partner for the New England Patriots.

Dallas on Tuesday acquired second-year wideout Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers, as first reported by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. The Cowboys received Mingo and a seventh-round pick in exchange for a fourth-rounder.

The deal came after the Cowboys were mentioned in trade speculation including Patriots receiver Tyquan Thornton. Former NFL executive Mike Lombardi, a weekly guest on NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” podcast, recently expressed the Cowboys were talking about Thornton.

The price Dallas paid for Mingo is a bit steep after what other receivers were traded for. But Mingo, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, still has two-plus seasons on his rookie contract, which aided in Carolina’s return.

Mingo already has surpassed Thornton’s production with 55 catches for 539 yards in 24 career games.

Thornton, a second-round pick by Bill Belichick’s Patriots in 2022, has one-plus season left on his rookie contract. He has 39 catches for 385 yards and two touchdowns in 28 career games.