The New York Jets acquired wide receiver AD Mitchell from the Indianapolis Colts at the NFL trade deadline. Mitchell was an afterthought in the Sauce Gardner blockbuster that also included two first-round picks going to the Jets. The sophomore wideout could carve out a role for himself in East Rutherford.
Indications are that Jets general manager Darren Mougey fought to have Mitchell included in the deal. Mougey believes in his talent and believes opportunity will help him develop under Aaron Glenn. That's terrific news for Mitchell's path to relevance.
By the way, on the Adonai Mitchell part of the Sauce trade: The Jets pushed the Colts to add him into the deal. He wasn't originally part of it. They believe in his potential.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 5, 2025
Mitchell began the 2025 campaign as a depth receiver for the Colts. He played extensively in a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Though Mitchell recorded three receptions for 96 yards, including an explosive 75-yard gain, he lost a fumble that was key in defeat. The former Texas Longhorns standout was essentially benched following that cough-up.
Mitchell was stuck behind Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs on the depth chart. When the Colts needed a receiver in Week 5 following their defeat by the Rams, they turned to Ashton Dulin instead. Mitchell had lost influence with head coach Shane Steichen. Meanwhile, the Colts' offense never missed a beat, still scoring an NFL-best 32.2 points per game.
A little eerie to reread this.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 5, 2025
Former #Colts WR AD Mitchell, now with the #Jets. —> https://t.co/qqd6AcA0jB pic.twitter.com/tdmJWvrqEI
The 1-7 Jets are in fact-finding mode. They entered full-blown rebuild mode by trading Gardner and Quinnen Williams at the deadline. They're now equipped with five first-round picks across the next two drafts. The remainder of the 2025 campaign should be used to explore young talents like Mitchell in hopes of finding future solutions to their abundance of roster-based problems.
There's an incredibly clear pathway to immediate snaps for Mitchell in New York. Garrett Wilson is a superstar go-to receiver, but the Jets have lacked depth behind him all season long. Tyler Johnson and Allen Lazard have been operating as the workhorses since Wilson has been sidelined by injury. Neither pass-catcher has a long-term role carved out for themselves.
The Jets recently acquired fellow receiver John Metchie III from the Houston Texans in exchange for safety Michael Carter II. Metchie is another reclamation project, highlighting the Jets' interest in looking for solutions in unlikely places behind Wilson. Mitchell is two years younger and appears to possess more untapped potential at this point, but a position battle for snaps could ensue.
The Jets also have fourth-round rookie Arian Smith playing consistent snaps. Once Wilson returns from injury, Mitchell should have an opportunity to play a legitimate role in three-receiver sets. It's up to Mitchell to maximize whatever opportunity offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand provides him with.
The rebuilding Jets have reasons to play their young talents. Mitchell's four-year rookie contract runs through 2027. That makes developing him a worthwhile exercise, and Mitchell can only take positive steps forward by playing.
The Jets requested that Mitchell be included in the Gardner trade. Now Glenn and Engstrand have to ensure he has opportunities to make an impact and prove his long-term worth. Mitchell is talented enough to take advantage of this much-needed change of scenery.