The Cowboys have been buyers before Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline, but their decision to negotiate prime draft compensation for “raw” NFL talent has puzzled several unnamed executives.

When NFL Network's Jane Slater discussed Dallas' decision to sign Panthers second-year receiver Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fourth-rounder, she reported on Competition was considered “too much”.

“I asked a GM from another team his opinion on the Cowboys trade for Jonathan Mingo. The thoughts were something “talented”. A little raw. Comp is too much… way too much. Basically a net fifth. He's probably the most like Tolbert of the guys there.' The GM continues: “Just my opinion.” “Not a bad player, but adding a fourth is rich,” Slater said Tuesday morning.

A talent evaluator also expressed his thoughts to Slater in the form of a vomiting emoji face, and the staff added, “That should have been a 6-for-7 pick swap.”

Mingo, a 2023 second-round pick out of Ole Miss, has 12 receptions for 121 yards and zero touchdowns in nine games this year.

Although a GM recognizes Mingo's “skills,” there is still a lot of work to be done.

“He’s in the second year of his rookie contract. “Has skills but is raw, hasn’t performed in the league yet,” the anonymous GM told Slater.

NFL executives aren't the only ones shaking their heads at Dallas' decision-making.

“The Dallas Cowboys gave up more to get Jonathan Mingo than the Kansas City Chiefs gave up to get DeAndre Hopkins. Lord have mercy,” former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III posted on Tuesday

“The Cowboys really gave up a receiver in the fourth round in Jonathan Mingo, who has caught a pass since October 13th!?! What the hell are they doing!?!” Kevin Gray Jr. of DLLS Sports posted.

The 23-year-old Mingo's move focuses on the present and the future, with a Cowboys source telling Slater: “They liked him coming out of college and he has the tools to be a productive NFL WR .”

The Cowboys are looking to salvage the remainder of their season after three straight losses, including Sunday's 27-21 loss to the Falcons.

Dallas (3:5) will also be without starting quarterback Dak Prescott for the foreseeable future due to a hamstring injury. Owner Jerry Jones announced Tuesday that he is “likely” moving to injured reserve.

Cooper Rush will assume the starting role, along with Trey Lance, a former first-round pick, as his replacement, ESPN reported.

The Cowboys host the Eagles (6-2) in Week 10.