The NFL offseason featured a flurry of trades, free-agent signings, and players returning to their teams on lucrative contracts. The Indianapolis Colts were among the league’s busiest franchises as they worked to retain key free agents and reshape their roster. However, those changes began before the 2025 trade deadline when they acquired Sauce Gardner in exchange for a massive package that included a wide receiver who now appears to be finding his footing with the New York Jets.
Adonai Mitchell has reportedly elevated his game since offseason workouts began. Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich recently praised the chemistry Mitchell has developed with quarterback Geno Smith.
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“I just want to be in a room that he’s in because he’s going to light up the room,” Jets OC Frank Reich told Denny Carter of The Athletic. “First of all, just with his mentality, he’s got this winning mentality, this positive vibe about him, and I think we all feel that on the field.”
Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (10) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
While Mitchell never truly broke out with the Colts, he took a significant step forward after arriving in New York.
Much needed fresh start
In just eight games with the Jets, Mitchell doubled the production he posted earlier in the season with Indianapolis. He accomplished that despite playing in an offense hampered by poor quarterback play, while the Colts benefited from a resurgent Daniel Jones.
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Perhaps Indianapolis may have moved on from the 2024 second-round pick too quickly.
Nov 30, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA;New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (15) reacts after a touchdown catch against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
It’s also fair to argue that Mitchell has benefited from a fresh start. Still, the early signs this offseason suggest the Jets not only acquired a valuable package of draft picks but may have also found a legitimate offensive weapon. While it’s still early in the development process, there’s reason to believe his momentum could continue into the regular season.
The Colts selected Mitchell with the 52nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he recorded 23 receptions for 312 yards. His blazing 4.34-second 40-yard dash helped propel him up draft boards, and he may soon use that speed to fuel a third-year breakout in New York.