Barkevious

Mingo

The grand jury returned a “no bill,” clearing Mingo of all charges. Mingo was released from the Falcons in July when the accusations of the case first surfaced. The 31-year-old former sixth overall pick is unlikely to get another NFL chance, but this should help to restore his name.

The inevitable move comes after the Falcons spent Saturday gathering facts following Mingo’s arrest on a charge of indecency with a child-sexual contact. “After being made aware today of allegations involving Barkevious Mingo and gathering information on the matter, the Atlanta Falcons have terminated his contract,” the team said in a terse statement. Mingo could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of this second degree felony. It is safe to say Mingo has played his final down of NFL football.

Mingo reportedly posted bond in the disturbing case. The charges were filed in Tarrant County, Texas. Mingo’s attorney in a statement denied the allegations. Mingo, 30, a former first round NFL Draft pick, signed a one-year contract with Atlanta in March after stints with Patriots, Colts, Seahawks, Texans, and Bears. “Our organization became aware of the allegations involving Barkevious Mingo today and are currently gathering information on this incident,” the Falcons told ProFootballTalk in a statement. “The Falcons take the allegations very seriously and will continue to monitor the situation.”

Mingo will likely serve as linebacker depth and a special teamer in Atlanta. The former first rounder played all 16 games for the Bears in 2020, recording 2.5 sacks and 35 tackles. Mingo, 30, has 12.5 sacks in eight NFL seasons.

The Texans originally acquired Mingo in last August’s Jadeveon Clowney trade. He ultimately recorded just six tackles in 16 games last season, failing to play even double-digit defensive snaps in all but two games. Mingo will work as a depth piece behind Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn in Chicago.

If the Chiefs and Jags select tackles Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel, the scramble for pass rushers is going to be on. The Eagles, Lions and Browns are all interested in the position and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that Cleveland wants to get up for LSU DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo. They could also be looking at Oregon’s Dion Jordan. The rebuilding Raiders could trade back and possibly still get the best 4-3 defensive tackle available, Florida’s Sharrif Floyd.

Needless to say, it’s not much of a haul for the desperate Texans. Going on 29, Mingo is coming off his best season as a pro, but that’s not saying much. The former No. 6 overall pick still offers absolutely nothing as a pass rusher. His main attribute as a player is taking up snaps.

Mingo was a 14-game starter at strong-side linebacker last season but, true to form, he delivered little pass-rushing heat. It sounds like the Seahawks could be trying to workshop a new role for Mingo before potentially benching him.

Mingo was a 14-game starter for Seattle this year but had just one sack. He’s not a great bet to be back at his $4.8 million cap hit. Releasing Mingo would save Seattle $3.7 million.

The Browns have Paul Kruger, Quentin Groves and Jabaal Sheard at outside linebacker, so they can afford to bring Mingo along slowly as he makes the transition from defensive end. The 49ers limited Smith to 506 snaps as a rookie, but were rewarded with 14 sacks. Even if he doesn’t “start,” Mingo should make an impact this season.