Adonai Mitchell Carving Out Role As Jets’ WR2

The Colts acquiesced, sending Mitchell to New York along with the two first-round picks that headlined the package. That the Jets insisted on adding the 2024 second-round pick spoke volumes about their belief in his talent despite an underwhelming start to his career. Mitchell responded with 301 yards in his eight games in New York after 464 yards across his first 25 games in Indianapolis.

The Jets are expecting a sizable leap in 2026, and in spring practices, Mitchell looked the part. He stood out among New York’s (admittedly thin) receiver room and carving out a role as the team’s WR2 opposite Wilson, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

Getting settled in the Jets’ scheme under new offensive coordinator Frank Reich and developing chemistry with new quarterback Geno Smith will both be crucial to Mitchell’s success. He has already made progress in both regards, Cimini adds.

A bounceback from Smith, who struggled greatly in Las Vegas in 2025, would go a long way getting the most out of Mitchell. The 23-year-old has dealt with an unstable quarterback situation for much of his pro career, beginning with Anthony Richardson‘s injury-riddled 2024 season that divided the Colts’ starts between him and Joe Flacco. Mitchell was not a beneficiary of Daniel Jones‘ breakout to start the 2025 season, and the trade to New York left catching passes from Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook.

Smith should perform better in New York with a solid offensive line and a true WR1 in Wilson, both of which the Raiders lacked last year. Returning to his Pro Bowl play from 2023 and 2024 would give Mitchell the best chance of breaking out in his third NFL season.