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

Adonai Mitchell finally looked like more than a throw-in on Sunday, and the New York Jets were more than happy to cash in. In a 27 to 24 win over the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium, the young wide receiver erupted for 8 catches, 102 yards, and a touchdown, the kind of stat line that makes fans forget how recently they were googling “who did we get back in the Sauce trade again” besides draft capital.

When the Jets traded star corner Sauce Gardner to the Colts a few weeks before the deadline, the move was all about stocking up on draft capital. Mitchell was mostly viewed as an extra name on the transaction line, a former second-round pick tagged onto the deal to sweeten the pot. Drafted 52nd overall in the 2024 NFL draft by Indianapolis after a college career at Georgia and Texas, he arrived in the league with high expectations, then quietly slid down the depth chart when the big numbers never came. In New York, the expectations were lower, which somehow made the spotlight even brighter.

Heading into this game, Mitchell had not recorded more than three receptions in any contest this season, so most Jets fans were hoping for competence more than dominance. Instead, he became the go-to target for newly appointed starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor, turning short throws into chain movers and reminding everyone that “change of scenery guy” can sometimes be more than just a talk radio phrase. His touchdown, a sharp route in the red zone followed by a smooth grab in traffic, felt less like a surprise and more like a long overdue introduction.

On the sideline, head coach Aaron Glenn looked like a man pleased with a plan coming together, even if that plan focused initially on draft picks rather than Mitchell himself. For Mitchell, this night might be the reset button his career needed. New team, new quarterback, new coach, and finally a game that matches the buzz that once followed him out of Texas. For the Jets, if this is the version of Adonai Mitchell they are getting going forward, this trade is looking better by the day after giving up one of the top CBs in the league.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Jets' Adonai Mitchell erupts for 8 catches, 102 yards, and a touchdown

Reporting by Tyler Whitcomb, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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