Cowboys dodged a bullet by avoiding diva wide receiver fans clamored for

The Dallas Cowboys added Jonathan Mingo at the trade deadline, which might prove to be a superior option than another coveted wideout.

Randy Gurzi | Nov 9, 2024

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones with his son Stephen Jones / Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

In this story:

Dallas Cowboys | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings

At the NFL trade deadline, the Dallas Cowboys brought in Jonathan Mingo to help strengthen their receiving corps. They were criticized for the price they paid, sending a fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for the second-year player.

One issue with the compensation is that Mingo cost Dallas more to acquire than DeAndre Hopkins did for Kansas City, or Diontae Johnson for the Baltimore Ravens. They were both added for fifth-round picks.

MORE: Cowboys have plans for Trey Lance to see the field with Dak Prescott injured

Fans were clamoring for a wideout earlier in the year, and Johnson was a name mentioned often. Jerry Jones felt validated for their decision since Mingo is younger and on his rookie deal. They also had a third-round grade on him coming into the NFL last season. Those points are strong but he also isn't considered a diva, which has been a knock on Johnson – and that's already showing in Baltimore.

🚨JUST IN: Newly acquired #Ravens WR Diontae Johnson appears to be UNHAPPY WITH THE TEAM after only getting five snaps last night.

👀👀👀

Let the trouble begin… pic.twitter.com/juSfGoGd41
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 8, 2024

Johnson, who joined Baltimore on Oct. 29 is already showing frustration with his role. He hardly saw the field in their win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football and posted a cryptic tweet afterward.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Johnson had 357 yards and three touchdowns for the Panthers this season on 30 receptions. Mingo had 12 catches for 121 yards and has yet to score his first NFL touchdown.

He has more developing to do than Johnson, but his 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame fits perfectly in their offense. And so far, he's been thrilled with his new home. Perhaps the Cowboys made the right call on this one.