The New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts had very different 2025 seasons, and so far this offseason, both are having different free agency windows. While the Colts were winning games (still finished 8-9), the Jets were losing most of theirs. This offseason, the Colts have made minimal moves, and the Jets have been one of the most active teams in the NFL.
The trajectories of both franchises are interesting, and as of now, it seems the Colts are closer to making the playoffs, but to one player, that does not matter. Former Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who was dealt to the Jets midseason, is happy that he was traded away, even with the team’s struggles.
Why Wide Receiver Adonai Mitchell Believes His Trade to the Jets Was for the Best
At the 2025 NFL trade deadline, the Jets traded star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts for Indianapolis’ first-round picks in 2026 and 2027. Mitchell was also included in this deal.
Before the trade was made, Mitchell was part of a very crowded wide receiver room with Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs. Mitchell still had potential and had just been selected with their second-round pick in 2024, but the issue was his mistakes.
In his rookie season, Mitchell dealt with drops and fumble issues, but it seemed like he could bounce back in his sophomore year. Then, in late September, Mitchell made a massive play but dropped the ball at the 1-yard line, resulting in a touchback. Something like this happening is damaging for a player, especially a younger one who is trying to get over issues with in-game mistakes.
A fresh start was clearly needed to leave everything behind him in Indianapolis, and according to Mitchell on the “Downs 2 Business podcast,” being traded to the Jets was the best thing to happen to his career:
“Indy’s receiver room was crowded, couple of things happened that changed the sequence of events out there. Just getting that fresh start, I felt like that was the best thing for my career. Just getting in the building, they were just happy that I was there, I was happy to be part of it.”
AD Mitchell reflects on getting traded midseason from the Colts to the Jets and why it was the reset his career needed. 💯 pic.twitter.com/tYafPAWDLI
— Downs 2 Business (@downs2business) March 18, 2026
Mitchell has the potential to have a really good career in the NFL, and with his new start in New York, he could be a breakout player next season.
Last season, Mitchell was 61st in receiving yards (453) and 94th overall in the PFSN NFL WR Impact metrics. There is a good chance these numbers improve next season, especially when Garrett Wilson is back healthy as WR1.
