Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Adonai Mitchell

Wednesday, May 7, 10:34 AM

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to navigate the offseason, trading for New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard is "in play," according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. As Florio notes, the move likely hinges on whether the Steelers sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This wouldn't be the first time a team has pursued a receiver to satisfy the veteran signal caller. The Green Bay Packers once re-acquired Randall Cobb as part of Rodgers' demands during a contract holdout, and the Jets signed Lazard after trading for Rodgers in 2023. The 29-year-old would likely slot in as Pittsburgh's No. 2 receiver behind DK Metcalf after they traded George Pickens to Dallas. He typically plays much better with Rodgers throwing him the football, as he commanded 100 targets from the future Hall of Famer in 2022. He also opened last season with 412 yards and five touchdowns over his first seven games, all of which featured Rodgers under center. Any sort of Lazard trade likely won't happen until Rodgers makes a decision on his future. While nothing is imminent, fantasy managers should keep tabs on Rodgers, as his eventual decision will surely have a ripple effect on many players across the league.

Monday, June 16, 12:23 PM

The Athletic's Stephen Holder writes that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell had one of the most impressive performances at last week's mandatory minicamp. The 22-year-old second-round pick (52nd overall) in 2024 had an uneven and frustrating rookie campaign and finished with 23 catches on 55 targets for 312 yards and no touchdowns in 17 games (seven starts). Mitchell also looked good in training camp last summer, so now it's a matter of him taking his practice reps into the regular season. "I think last offseason, same thing. Did some really good things. He's had a hell of an offseason so far through OTAs. [I] expect that to continue through training camp. But getting to those game situations, [it's] just continuing to get those game reps and really taking that next step," head coach Shane Steichen said. Mitchell has the talent to take the next step, but target volume could be an issue again.