The Cardinals weren’t expected to go crazy at the trade deadline, as they entered Tuesday at 3–5. However, analysts across the league expected general manager Monti Ossenfort to make a low-cost move or two that would benefit the team in future years.
ESPN’s Seth Walder expressed the opinion that the Cardinals should check in on 2024 second-rounder and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who has seen minimal playing time, and could possibly be out the door.
Walder wasn’t wrong, as Mitchell did end up finding a change of scenery, just not with the Cardinals. The 23-year-old was part of a blockbuster deal with the New York Jets that sent cornerback Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis, and in return, the Jets received Mitchell and two-first round picks. The deal occurred just months after Gardner received a four-year, $120 million extension.
Mitchell is now slated as wide receiver No. 2 behind Garrett Wilson, instantly setting him up for more playing time. During his time at the University of Texas, Mitchell and then–wide receiver No. 1 Xavier Worthy saw equal amounts of opportunities. That is the same hope for him in New York alongside Wilson.
As for Jonathan Gannon and the Cardinals, they will look to build on the passing game that took a huge jump against the Dallas Cowboys where Marvin Harrison Jr. had seven catches for 96 yards, and tight end Trey McBride added five for 55 yards.
The team continues to roll with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, as Kyler Murray was placed on injured reserve with the foot injury he suffered about a month ago. Brissett has a passer rating of 102.5 in the three starts he has made this season.
Michael Wilson will continue to see reps at wide receiver No. 2 as the Cardinals enter the toughest stretch of their schedule, playing four straight opponents with five or more wins. It will be interesting to see how Brissett performs as he continues to prove why he should remain the team’s starter, even when Murray is activated off IR.