Despite their impressive 7-2 start, the Indianapolis Colts are not only looking to acquire talent at the trade deadline but may also be considering a move as sellers. While the team has been linked to upgrades at cornerback and edge rusher, they are also reportedly fielding interest from other teams in second-year wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
A second-round pick in the 2024 draft, Mitchell has struggled to secure a consistent role in the offense this season. He has fallen on the depth chart behind starters Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs, managing only two receptions since the beginning of October. The majority of his 152 receiving yards this year came in a single three-catch, 96-yard performance.
The return of both Pierce and Downs from earlier injuries has further marginalized Mitchell’s playing time. His limited opportunities have also been marked by costly errors, such as a blocking penalty that nullified a Jonathan Taylor touchdown in a close loss.
Still, trading a recent second-round pick so early would be an uncharacteristic move for the Colts. Given that Mitchell would likely not command a return equivalent to his draft position, a deal seems improbable. He remains an important depth piece, especially after Pittman dealt with a back injury last season. During his rookie year, Mitchell recorded 23 catches for 312 yards while starting seven games.
Mitchell’s rookie contract runs through the 2027 season. If Indianapolis were to make a surprising trade, the team’s receiving corps would rely on special-teamer Ashton Dulin and rookie fifth-rounder Anthony Gould for depth.
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