In all likelihood, the Cardinals won’t experience a hectic trade deadline, as they sit at 2–5 with only a 4.8% chance of making the postseason ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The team is not going to make moves for the 2025 season but rather for 2026 and beyond.
ESPN analysts Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder urge Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort to make a move that would support the team’s approach to setting itself up for success in future years.
“A young wideout could help build Arizona’s offense for the future,” Schatz said, referring to what positional need would best benefit the Cardinals long term.
While Schatz highlighted the need, Walder honed in on one guy in particular whom he not only believes needs a change of scenery but also could be a valuable asset for years to come in Arizona.
Cardinals should look eye Adonai Mitchell ahead of the trade deadline
Adonai Mitchell was selected in the second round (52nd overall) in 2024, taken in the same class as Marvin Harrison Jr. Both have had their fair share of growing pains, but Mitchell has struggled so badly he has barely seen the field.
The resurgence of quarterback Daniel Jones is something to highlight, while running back Jonathan Taylor is putting together an MVP-level season. Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and rookie Tyler Warren have been getting most of the targets. This has taken away from Mitchell’s playing time and raises the question of whether GM Chris Ballard has any plans to trade the 23-year-old.
“He has either been inactive or played less than 10% of Indianapolis' snaps since he dropped a ball at the goal line against the Rams in Week 4,” said Walder. “But Mitchell is a player I have confidence in. He recorded an 82 open score as a rookie last season, tied for eighth best among the likes of Tyreek Hill and Zay Flowers, per ESPN receiver scores. That's a hard trait to find and means he still has plenty of unrealized potential. He could be helpful to Arizona now but also brings the potential to increase his role in future seasons. Mitchell is under contract until 2027.”
Acquiring Mitchell would complement Marvin Harrison Jr. perfectly on the other side, while also giving Kyler Murray another target to throw to.
Not only would it be a good fit for Mitchell, but it would also give offensive coordinator Drew Petzing another piece to work with. Imagine a trio of pass catchers: Marvin Harrison Jr., Adonai Mitchell, and Trey McBride — All of whom are under contract through 2027.
Ossenfort doesn’t need to go all out at the November 4 trade deadline—we would actually discourage that approach–but he should at least make a deal that gives Cardinals fans something to look forward to; adding Mitchell would do just that.