The Carolina Panthers had a disappointing rookie class last year. While Bryce Young’s struggles were the main highlight, second-round pick Jonathan Mingo had a terrible season and could be the subject of trade discussion during the 2024 NFL Draft. Selected with the 39th overall pick, the Mississippi product was supposed to use his elite all-around athleticism to provide a reliable outside target and help minimize the loss of D.J. Moore.
Instead, the rookie was one of the least effective receivers on the NFL’s worst offense. Appearing in 15 games, Mingo finished his first season with 43 receptions for 418 yards and no touchdowns on 85 targets. His 50.6% catch percentage was one of the worst in the league, and his advanced metrics weren’t any better. Since 2021, 32 rookie wide receivers have recorded at least a 10% target share. Of those 32, Mingo ranks dead last in yards per route run (0.81) and PFF grade (52.6).
Some players can overcome slow starts to their careers, but Mingo would require a historical turnaround to become even a league-average starter. If the latest rumors are to be believed, the Carolina Panthers are looking for a player to replace Jonathan Mingo, which means they could be willing to trade their former second-round pick.
Carolina Panthers Could Try to Trade Jonathan Mingo
According to ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid, the Carolina Panthers are torn between Keon Coleman and Xavier Legette. Both players should be on the board when the Panthers are on the block, and both have a similar style of play. While there are subtle differences between the two, both players project as big-bodied outside threats capable of winning at the catch point with size and strength.
If this sounds familiar to you, it’s because that’s exactly who Jonathan Mingo was supposed to be. Assuming these reports are true, the Panthers seem interested in selecting Mingo’s replacement. Seeing as the current regime did not draft Jonathan Mingo, they shouldn’t hesitate to trade him if they don’t believe he can improve.
Even though Jonathan Mingo had a rough season last year, he should garner some interest on the trade market. After all, he was a top-40 pick for a reason, and some receiver-desperate team should be willing to take a low-risk, high-reward dart throw on the Mississippi product.
Possible Landing Spots
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers need all the help they can get at wide receiver. After parting ways with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, Los Angeles is stuck with Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer as their top options in the passing game. This is unacceptable, as even a great quarterback like Justin Herbert needs more than this to succeed. Jonathan Mingo might not be the fix this team needs, but the Chargers have nothing to lose by pulling off a trade. If they can get him for a late-round pick swap, they might as well see if they can bring out that old magic.
New England Patriots
Historically speaking, the Patriots love taking gambles on highly drafted players who didn’t work out with their original team. While Bill Belichick is gone, there are enough holdovers to assume this philosophy is still alive and well within the halls of 1 Patriot Place. New England will take a quarterback with their first-round pick, and if they don’t like the receivers on the board in the second and third rounds, they could trade a late-round pick for Jonathan Mingo and use their Day 2 selection on other positions like tackle and cornerback.
Kansas City Chiefs
With Rashee Rice likely facing serious consequences for his role in the Dallas crash, the Chiefs are again looking for wide receiver help. Marquise Brown is a reliable deep threat, but he’s only under contract for one year. Jonathan Mingo struggled in Carolina, but perhaps a trade could provide the change of scenery he needs to succeed. If nothing else, it’s hard for him to be worse than Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have two great receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. However, they don’t have a reliable third option, especially since Quez Watkins is now in Pittsburgh. With most of the good free agents already signed, the Eagles could try and swing a trade for Jonathan Mingo. If he can’t succeed as a third option in this high-powered attack, then he won’t work anywhere.
Baltimore Ravens
Odell Beckham already said his goodbyes to Baltimore, which means the team must find a replacement. Seeing as the team lost an absurd amount of talent to the free agent market, they might not be able to afford a big-name replacement for Beckham. With this in mind, they could decide to trade for Jonathan Mingo and see if he can turn it around with the reigning MVP.
Main Photo: Andrew Nelles – USA Today Sports
