In the days leading up to the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 4, the Cleveland Browns were linked to New York Jets star wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
It was highly unlikely the Jets were going to move their 25-year-old superstar wideout, but multiple reports indicated Cleveland was aggressively pursuing the three-time 1,000-yard WR.
With New York likely rebuffing any offers made for Wilson, the Browns apparently turned their attention to another former college star pass-catcher.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that Cleveland was working hard to close a deal for former Indianapolis Colts second-round pick Adonai Mitchell, who was ultimately traded to the Jets along with two first-round picks as part of the Sauce Gardner blockbuster trade.
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“Former Colts second-rounder Adonai Mitchell was another player who received real interest,” Rapoport wrote. “In fact, had he not gone to the Jets as part of the Gardner deal, the Browns planned to complete a trade for Mitchell, sending a late-round pick to Indianapolis.
“Mitchell has just nine catches this season for 152 yards, plus had a notable gaffe when he let go of the ball before the goal line against the Rams. He had fallen out of favor with the Colts.”
In a season-and-a-half with the Colts, Mitchell never quite produced up to expectations. He logged just 32 catches on 71 targets for 464 yards in 25 games.
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A two-time national champion at Georgia, Mitchell transferred to Texas for his final college season in 2023. He had a career-best 55 receptions, 845 yards, and 11 touchdowns before being picked with the No. 52 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
The Browns had pushed hard to add wide receiver help for rookie QB Dillon Gabriel at the deadline given the lack of production from their wide receiver corps. Gabriel is just 1-3 as the team’s starter, throwing for 683 yards, four TDs, and two interceptions with 78.4 passer rating.
Cleveland’s two leading receivers are tight ends Harold Fanning Jr. (38 catches, 352 yards, two touchdowns) and David Njoku (27 catches, 260 yards, two TDs). Jerry Jeudy is the Browns only receiver with more than 11 receptions and 150 receiving yards this season.
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