Jets trade deadline dealt star guard Sauce Gardner for two first-round picks.
But Gang Green could also have an up-and-coming star. Ada Mitchell.
Nick Faulk and the Jets' special teams catapulted them to 27-24 win over the Falcons on Sunday.. But it was Mitchell's speed and playmaking ability that helped the Jets continue their offense in the second half. He finished with a career-high eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown.
The highlight of Mitchell's game was a 52-yard touchdown pass from Tyrod Taylor that tied the game in the third quarter. Taylor continued to look Mitchell's way throughout the day after the Falcons put multiple defenders close to the line of scrimmage in an attempt to stop Breece Hall and the rushing attack.
“He’s here for a reason,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn said of Mitchell. “People think he's a throw-in player, but he was never a throw-in player. He was the guy we wanted.”
“We've watched him graduate from college. For him to be part of the profession and part of what we're building, he's a true X.” [receiver]. He has good speed and can win one on one. “I’m just looking forward to his progress as the season goes on and him coming back next year, which will be a huge part of what we do.”
WITH Garrett Wilson on injured reserve due to knee injury, These final games of the season will be an evaluation period not only for Mitchell, but for everyone on the Jets roster, including the other wide receivers. Mitchell always had the potential to be a leading receiver in the NFL. It's just that in two seasons in the league it hasn't always shown up.
Jets general manager Darren Moogee reportedly specifically wanted Mitchell included in the Gardner trade. The Colts' loss was undoubtedly the Jets' gain.
Indianapolis selected Mitchell, 23, in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Texas. Getting open has never been an issue for Mitchell, whether in college or the NFL, with his track-level speed. Mitchell's 40-yard dash of 4.34 seconds was the third fastest among receivers that year, and his broad jump of 11 feet, 4 inches was the best among receivers.
Mitchell recorded 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final season with the Longhorns in 2023. The Jets have long needed a receiver who can extend the defense into the second and third levels, and that's exactly what Mitchell can do.
However, Mitchell had problems with the ball. Even routine catches would be a challenge for Mitchell after he had three drops on 70 targets in his limited snaps before being traded this season to Indianapolis.
Mitchell will be remembered most for his time with the Colts for ruining a 75-yard touchdown run by fumbling the ball just before reaching the end zone in a Week 4 game against the Rams. Mitchell attempted to recover the ball before rushing out of the end zone but was unsuccessful, the Rams received a touchback and the Colts lost possession and ultimately the game.
Mitchell's playing time dwindled after the Rams game, and he said a “crowded” receiving area contributed to his trade to the Jets.
“When I got the call, I was watching film and getting ready for the Atlanta game,” Mitchell said of when he found out he was being traded to the Jets. “They called me and told me, and I was just surprised.
“But after the sense of wonder went away, I was just excited for a new chapter, excited for a new beginning and just leaving everything behind. I guess life comes full circle, you know, to get your first [touchdown] against Atlanta. I'm happy to be an airplane pilot.”
Because Wilson ended up in prison for a long time after he signed four-year, $130 million extension in the offseason, Mitchell along with John Metchie III, who was also acquired from Philadelphia before the trade deadline in Michael Carter II trade.
The Jets will almost certainly have a new starting quarterback next year after Glenn is benched. Justin Fields for Taylor. Wilson, Mitchell and Metchie represent a solid group of receivers to take in the 2026 class. The Jets will also have a first-round draft pick from the Colts, so they could select another receiver to pair with the trio that could help the young quarterback blossom.
Mitchell is already making a big impression on his teammates. He worked with Taylor, trying to get used to the Jets' offense. It seems the extra work has certainly paid off as his role with the Jets continues to grow along with his confidence.
“It’s all about preparation,” Mitchell said. “Really just staying consistent in the preparation, the extra work that we put in. I feel like this will help things move forward.
“I feel like it will help me take advantage of opportunities when they come, if I’m lucky enough to get more opportunities.”
