Report: Panthers May Trade Receiver Jonathan Mingo
According to a report, the Panthers might engage in a firesale of one of their receivers, with the Ravens and Chiefs potentially interested in trading for Jonathan Mingo. As the Panthers’ season continues to disintegrate, losing key players like Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson, their offense hasn’t improved since benching Bryce Young for Andy Dalton. It’s fair to conclude that Carolina’s 2024 campaign is effectively over, as Dalton does not match the elite status of quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.
Despite some early-season inconsistencies, the team remains competitive. However, with their struggling performance at 1-4, it may be wise for Carolina to become sellers in order to enhance their roster for 2025. The Panthers had hoped for a better season from Mingo, especially after a rocky rookie year, but he has recorded only 11 receptions for 120 yards, particularly after losing Adam Thielen to injury again.
Carolina expected more from Mingo after parting with D.J. Moore and bringing in Diontae Johnson to support Young. However, he may struggle to find his niche in the offense as the team’s WR3 behind Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette. Last season, Mingo had 43 receptions for 418 yards without a touchdown on 85 targets.
Given the team’s current struggles, he is unlikely to emerge as a playmaker. Selected 39th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Mingo was anticipated to be a reliable target. Instead, the Panthers might place him on the trading block to accumulate draft capital. The Ravens and Chiefs could potentially help Mingo realize his full potential.
Chiefs May Target Panthers WR Jonathan Mingo
Extra Juice for Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes is having one of his most challenging seasons recently. This is not his fault, as the Chiefs no longer have Rashee Rice or Marquise Brown to fill the void left by the release of Kadarius Toney and Marquez Valdes-Scantling this offseason. Travis Kelce is aging and may have only a few productive years left before retirement. The current options include rookie Xavier Worthy and struggling receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore.
Though the Chiefs re-signed Mecole Hardman before the season, he hasn’t performed at his previous level. Taking a chance on someone like Mingo could help reinvigorate the offense alongside Worthy. Being young, Mingo wouldn’t need a full-time role to significantly contribute and help revive the team’s offensive prowess.
Rebuilding Depth
Zay Flowers stands out as the only true deep threat for Lamar Jackson. Rashod Bateman has underperformed, resembling a below-average receiver and coming off a disappointing season last year. As a result, Jackson often relies on Justice Hill for quick passes. Nelson Agholor is likely to become another journeyman, which is why the Ravens should consider Mingo.
While Mingo may not be a modern CeeDee Lamb, he could fill a valuable role in the rotation. He doesn’t require a full-time position to showcase his talent but can still gain yardage and contribute. Although he may not be as fast as Flowers, Mingo would provide useful depth while rookie DeVontez Walker continues to develop.
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