Jets’ afterthought in blockbuster trade looks like a steal after breakout in win over Falcons

Much like everyone else, when AD Mitchell found out he was being traded to the Jets along with two first-round picks for cornerback Sauce Gardner, he was “surprised.”

Meanwhile, Jets fans were grappling with the news that they were parting ways with their star cornerback, but found some solace in the 2026 and 2027 first-round picks they would receive in return. Later, news broke that a second-year wide receiver would also be sent to New York in the trade.

There was a reason why Jets general manager Darren Mougey made sure Mitchell was part of that trade. On Sunday, the wideout showed fans why.

Mitchell, whom the Jets acquired as a part of the deal that sent cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts earlier this season, had the best game of his career in the 27-24 win over the Falcons. He had eight catches on 12 targets for 102 yards and a touchdown — his first 100+ yard game of his career. His 52-yard catch was his first career touchdown and more yardage than he had in all but two of his first 35 games (He had a 75-yard non-TD catch with the Colts in Week 4 this year).

“It felt good. Especially contributing to the win, I felt like that was the biggest thing. You know, just being around this team for the past three-four weeks.”

Mitchell’s 12 targets on Sunday were a career high by far — his previous high was seven, which occurred twice, including Ravens game last week. He was targeted 16 times in eight games with the Colts this year and targeted 25 times through three games with Jets. With star receiver Garrett Wilson out with a knee injury, Mitchell becomes a key offensive piece who can expect more targets in the upcoming weeks.

“I think that once he got here, I think it just helped him with his confidence that he was wanted and then the players just gravitate to who he was as a player,” Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said after the win. “Listen, we’re going to try to get him the ball as much as we can. Obviously, he showed that he can make plays for us. I just think his confidence is at an all-time high right now and we want to continue to get him the ball as much as we can.”

Over in Indianapolis, the other side of the trade was having a different kind of day. Gardner exited the Colts’ game against the Texans just two plays into their first defensive drive with a non-contact calf injury. Colts head coach Shane Steichen offered no update after the 20-16 loss, while NFL Network reports that it’s a calf strain.

If it does end up being more serious, that’ll have residual effects on the Jets, who will pick in the Colts’ place in the first round of next year’s draft. And without Gardner on the field, Indianapolis might be slotted to pick higher than anticipated.

Until then, the Jets and quarterback Tyrod Taylor will look to Mitchell to make an impact on the offense.

“AD is a very special talent,” Taylor said. “Watching his routes and routes on air, watching how he practices every day, it means a lot to him. If you put the ball around him, he’s going to catch it.”

MORE JETS COVERAGE

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• Jets’ thrilling win over Falcons is scary reminder of past QB gamble

• Star from Jets’ blockbuster trade leaves game with non-contact injury [UPDATE]

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