INDIANAPOLIS – The business side of the NFL delivered a gut-punch to Adonai Mitchell and one of his staunchest supporters.
“It sucks,’’ Reggie Wayne said Thursday.
The Indianapolis Colts so coveted Sauce Gardner leading up to Tuesday’s trade deadline that they agreed to send the New York Jets two first-round draft picks for their All-Pro cornerback.
And Mitchell.
In an instant, the 2024 second-round draft pick saw his career journey veer in another direction, and Wayne felt the loss.
“I think everybody knows how much I respect AD and his game,’’ he said. “But that’s the way the business goes.
“One day you’re 7-2, the next day you’re 1-7.’’
Wayne was asked why things didn’t work out for Mitchell in Indy.
“I don’t know, man, it just didn’t work out,’’ he said.
Wayne reconsidered.
“I wouldn’t say it didn’t work out,’’ he said. “His time was up, I guess.
“It wasn’t my call.’’
If it had been, Mitchell might still be a Colt.
Wayne has been unwavering in his support for Mitchell.
Even after his two costly mistakes in the week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Even after a rookie season replete with inconsistencies. Mitchell caught just 41.8% of his targeted passes last season (23 of 55), worst in the NFL and the lowest in franchise history.
Mitchell managed 32 catches for 464 yards and no touchdowns on 71 targets in 25 games.
Wayne looked past the raw numbers and saw promise. Mitchell turned 23 last month.
Wayne has been adamant that it can take receivers up to 2.5 years to truly emerge. The 2001 first-round pick developed into one of the NFL’s most prolific receivers and has been knocking on the door at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Wayne finished with 27 receptions for 345 yards as a rookie. His production steadily increased, but didn’t crack the 1,000-mark until 2004.
“I think AD was on track,’’ Wayne said. “It takes time for a receiver, especially when you’re not the guy. When you’re the guy, you’re going to get a million targets. When you’re not the guy, the ball’s going to come sparingly and you just have to shake whenever it comes your way.’’
Somewhat impeding Mitchell’s growth with the Colts was being behind Alec Pierce on the depth chart. Both possessed deep speed and big-play skills.
Pierce’s continued emergence has meant fewer opportunities for Mitchell.
“Alec is playing so well, what are you going to do?’’ Wayne said.
After the trade was announced, Wayne spoke with Mitchell. They chatted again on Wednesday evening after Mitchell practiced with the Jets.
“He’s in good spirits,’’ Wayne said. “I think AD will do well over there. I think it’ll be an opportunity for him to get some reps.
“I think that’s what he needed. I think he’ll win over that team.’’
Wayne’s reaction to Tuesday’s trade activity reflected how close he gets to players in his receivers’ room.
“It’s not a good feeling,’’ he said. “Same thing when you lose a player in the offseason to free agency. It all works the same. I just try to sum it up as how it’s going to feel whenever all my kids leave the house and I become an empty-nester.
“It’s going to be a gut-punch, but it’s a celebration at the same time. I’m happy for him. He’ll have an opportunity to get more reps and show what he can do. The Jets got a special talent.’’
Pierce agreed.
“It’s a tough business,’’ he said. “I’m excited for him to hopefully get a lot of opportunity in New York.
“He’s a special player, special talent and I know he can do so much in this league.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.