The NFL trade deadline brought about change to many teams. Between selling assets from a lost season or acquiring the “missing piece” for a playoff push, it’s an opportunity to build. For a team like the New York Jets, they managed to accomplish both. After trading star cornerback Ahmad Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts, they managed to acquire two future first-round picks. However, that’s not the only thing they added. Seen as a throw-in for salary purposes, the Jets may have found a gem in wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Overshadowed in an impressive collection of wide receivers, Mitchell waited for the chance to make an impact. Thankfully, he got to show the Jets he can be a long-term piece with a career game in a victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Adonai Mitchell caught 7 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown when matched up against Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes.
Mitchell tied for the most catches and recorded the 4th-most yards of any receiver against a single defender in a game this season.#ATLvsNYJ | #JetUp pic.twitter.com/lO8mbbzDMQ
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 30, 2025
Jets Relishing Breakout Game From Young Wide Receiver
During the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts drafted Adonai Mitchell with the 52nd overall pick. A native of Missouri City, Texas, Mitchell committed to the University of Georgia in 2021. During his freshman season, Mitchell made a big impact for the Bulldogs. He finished his freshman season with 29 catches for 426 yards and four touchdowns. However, his biggest moment came in the 2022 National Championship game, catching the 40-yard TD pass from Stetson Bennett with eight minutes remaining. Unfortunately, Mitchell’s sophomore season was marred by a lingering ankle injury that allowed him to play in only six games.
Before his junior season, Mitchell decided to move on and transferred to Texas. Thankfully, it was a gamble that paid off. In his lone season in Austin, Mitchell caught 55 passes for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns through 14 games. Becoming a focal point in the Longhorns’ offense, Mitchell helped lead Texas to the College Football Playoff, eventually losing to the Washington Huskies in the Sugar Bowl.
Adonai Mitchell’s Slow Start in Indianapolis
Arriving in Indianapolis, Mitchell had a tough battle ahead for targets. Between star Michel Pittman and the duo of Alec Pierce and Jeter Downs, the Colts had a solid trio of wide receivers ahead of him. But that didn’t stop Mitchell from earning opportunities. It was a quiet rookie season for Mitchell in 2024. Despite playing in 17 games, Mitchell only had 23 catches for 312 yards and no touchdowns. Despite his early struggles, Mitchell had a prominent fan on the coaching staff in Colts star turned wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne. After playing 13 seasons in Indianapolis with Peyton Manning, Wayne knows a thing or two about good offenses. While Mitchell went through his growing pains, Wayne was vocal in his support for Mitchell, even after he was traded.
Adonai Mitchell 52 yard touchdown!
pic.twitter.com/3eO4fJrGiI— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) November 30, 2025
A Fresh Start in New York
Hoping to improve from his rookie season, it was still a tough start to 2025 for Mitchell. In a crucial week four matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, Mitchell went viral after making an impressive catch for a 76-yard touchdown. At least that’s what he thought happened. Alas, Mitchell fumbled the ball before the endzone, resulting in a touchback. This was one of the last moments of Mitchell’s Colts tenure before he was included in the Sauce Gardner trade.
Looking to right the wrongs of his rookie season, Mitchell knew he had to make it work in New York. Thankfully, that moment came in the Jets Week 13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Led by veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Mitchell would have the best game of his young career. During the game, Mitchell caught eight passes on 12 targets for 102 yards. However, it was catching a 52-yard heave from Taylor on busted coverage that gave Adonai Mitchell his first career touchdown. After being patient during such a frustrating stretch, Mitchell looked like the guy fans adored in Austin, Texas. Through three games, Mitchell has 11 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown.
Next season, the Jets plan on targeting a quarterback early in the draft. While Garrett Wilson is still an elite wide receiver, New York wants to provide him with a well-rounded wide receiver room. After the recent success of fellow trade deadline acquisition John Metchie, Mitchell’s breakout could point to a more significant role in 2026. Through patience and hard work, Adonai Mitchell may have finally turned the corner.
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – Imagn Images
The post Jets Relishing Breakout Game From Young Wide Receiver appeared first on Last Word on NFL.