Carolina finally cuts ties for a 4th-round pick and now his Week 12 debut is locked in — the NFL’s quiet sleeper just turned into a storm.QQ
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where trades can make or break a franchise’s season, the Dallas Cowboys have been quietly harboring a potential game-changer on their bench. Jonathan Mingo, the wide receiver acquired from the Carolina Panthers in a steal of a deal last fall, has been biding his time. But according to Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, that wait is finally over. Mingo’s 2025 debut is on the horizon for Week 12, and if his skills translate to the field, the NFC East rivals better brace themselves—this sleeper could wake up with a vengeance.
Let’s rewind to how we got here. Just over a year ago, in the midst of the 2024 season, the Cowboys swung a trade with Carolina, sending a mere fourth-round pick in exchange for the promising young receiver. At the time, it seemed like a low-risk move for Dallas, especially when compared to their more recent splashy acquisition of George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers—a deal that cost a third-rounder plus a late-round swap. Pickens has since exploded into stardom, becoming a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ passing attack alongside CeeDee Lamb. But Mingo? He’s been the forgotten man in Arlington, overshadowed by the hype around the receiver room.
Through the first 11 weeks of the 2025 season, Mingo hasn’t seen a single snap for Dallas. That’s despite showing flashes of potential last year, where he hauled in five passes for 46 yards after the trade. Behind the scenes, the Cowboys have been patient, prioritizing depth players like Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, and Ryan Flournoy to fill out the rotation. The receiver group has been productive, sure, but Mingo’s absence has raised eyebrows. Why trade for a guy with his athleticism—standing at 6’1″ with speed and strong hands—and then let him collect dust?
Enter Brian Schottenheimer, who dropped a bombshell during his Friday presser. Speaking to reporters, the Cowboys’ OC revealed that Mingo is not only in the mix but could be activated as soon as this weekend’s matchup. The key? Proving his value beyond just offense, particularly on special teams.
“Jonathan is a guy we are excited about, we want to see him play,” Schottenheimer said. “It’s been a competitive battle between he and a couple of the guys for that last spot. It comes down to not just offense, but special teams as well. My big thing for Jonathan is just, hey, can you play all the spots, can you do all the different areas? So, he understands that is where he needs to go, and there’s a chance he is activated this week.”
This isn’t just coach-speak; it’s a green light for Mingo’s launch. The former second-round pick out of Ole Miss (selected by Carolina in 2023) brings a unique blend of size, route-running, and yards-after-catch ability that could add another dimension to Dak Prescott’s arsenal. In a division as brutal as the NFC East—where the Eagles, Giants, and Commanders are all vying for playoff spots—an unexpected contributor like Mingo could be the X-factor Dallas needs. Imagine him streaking down the sideline or turning a short slant into a big gain; the element of surprise alone could unsettle defenses that have game-planned for Lamb and Pickens all season.
Of course, Mingo’s path hasn’t been without hurdles. Injuries and depth chart battles have kept him sidelined, but his work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed. Schottenheimer’s comments suggest the team has been grooming him for this moment, emphasizing versatility as the ticket to playing time. And with the Cowboys pushing for a postseason berth, every edge counts. If Mingo suits up in Week 12—potentially against a divisional foe or tough opponent—expect him to make an immediate impact. Carolina let him go for peanuts; now, Dallas is ready to cash in.
While we’re on the topic of comebacks, Schottenheimer also shouted out safety Malik Hooker, who returned from a toe injury in Week 11 against the Raiders. Hooker played 44 snaps and helped stabilize the secondary, providing a “confidence boost” to a defense that’s seen its share of changes. “Absolutely, when you talk about a defense, especially one that has had as much change as we did last week, the safeties are just such a confidence boost because they really get everything aligned,” Schottenheimer noted. With Hooker and Donovan Wilson back in the fold, Dallas’s backend looks more formidable—just in time for Mingo to potentially join the offensive fireworks.
The NFC East has been warned: Jonathan Mingo is cleared for takeoff. Traded away for a fourth-rounder, overlooked for months, but now poised to remind everyone why the Cowboys pulled the trigger. The wait is over, and if history is any guide, under-the-radar additions like this can turn into season-defining stories. Keep your eyes on No. 81 this Sunday—the surprise is coming, and it might just catch the division off guard.
