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. Although it was highly unlikely the Jets would move their 25-year-old superstar, multiple reports indicated that Cleveland was aggressively pursuing the three-time 1,000-yard WR.
With New York likely to rebuff any offers made for Wilson, the Browns apparently shifted 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.
Mitchell was ultimately traded to the Jets along with two first-round picks as part of the blockbuster Sauce Gardner trade.
“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’s production this season has been limited, with just nine catches for 152 yards. He also had a notable gaffe when he let go of the ball before the goal line against the Rams. The wide receiver had fallen out of favor with the Colts.
In a season-and-a-half with Indianapolis, Mitchell never quite produced up to expectations. He logged just 32 catches on 71 targets for 464 yards in 25 games.
A two-time national champion at Georgia, Mitchell transferred to Texas for his final college season in 2023. There, he posted career-best numbers: 55 receptions, 845 yards, and 11 touchdowns before being selected with the No. 52 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Browns pushed hard to add wide receiver help for rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel at the trade deadline, given the lack of production from their current WR corps. Gabriel is just 1-3 as the team’s starter, throwing for 683 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions with a 78.4 passer rating.
Cleveland’s two leading receivers this season are tight ends Harold Fanning Jr. (38 catches, 352 yards, two touchdowns) and David Njoku (27 catches, 260 yards, two touchdowns). Jerry Jeudy is the Browns’ only wide receiver with more than 11 receptions and 150 receiving yards this season.
The Browns’ efforts to bolster their receiving group highlight the team’s urgency to support their rookie quarterback and improve their passing attack as the season progresses.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/browns-nearly-traded-for-former-second-round-weapon-for-dillon-gabriel-11017265
