The New York Jets completed a blockbuster trade with the Indianapolis Colts this week, acquiring two future first-round draft choices and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in exchange for cornerback Sauce Gardner. However, that deal nearly didn’t happen.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport revealed on Saturday, November 8, that Mitchell “received real interest” ahead of the Tuesday, November 4, NFL trade deadline. “In fact, had he not gone to the Jets as part of the Gardner deal, the Browns planned to complete a trade for Mitchell, sending a late-round pick to Indianapolis. Mitchell has just nine catches this season for 152 yards, plus had a notable gaffe when he let go of the ball before the goal line against the Rams. He had fallen out of favor with the Colts,” Rapoport explained.
### Mitchell Likely to Debut Against the Browns in Week 10
After nearly suiting up for the Browns, Mitchell is set to make his Jets debut against them. The Jets will host Cleveland in Week 10, coming off their bye week. Gang Green opened the week as a 2.5-point favorite — the first time they’ve been considered favorites all season. However, that line quickly changed following the NFL trade deadline. The Jets went from 2.5-point favorites to 2.5-point underdogs at home, according to Vegas Insider. Such is the life of a team that trades away two of its best players.
### Malachi Corley Revenge Game
On Sunday, November 9, the Jets will face a familiar opponent. Ahead of final roster cuts, the Jets parted ways with pass catcher Malachi Corley. Corley was the No. 65 overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Jets traded up for him, considering him one of the best receivers available in the draft.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Corley became “the highest-drafted player from 2024 to be released, according to ESPN Research.” Fortunately, Corley quickly landed on his feet, joining the Browns’ practice squad initially before working his way onto their 53-man roster.
Corley, 23, has appeared in four games so far this season. He has two rushing attempts for 42 yards and contributed two receptions for 17 yards. He is still seeking his first NFL touchdown heading into this revenge game against his former team.
### Unique Symmetry With Massive Football Mistakes
There are many reasons Corley is no longer part of the Jets, with one of his biggest mistakes occurring on the field. In Week 9 last season — on Halloween, during Thursday Night Football against the Houston Texans — Corley was set to score the first touchdown of his career. The Jets called the perfect play, a wide receiver reverse, and Corley appeared to walk untouched into the end zone from 19 yards out.
However, upon further review, Corley dropped the football before crossing the goal line. Instead of the euphoria of a touchdown, the ball was ruled a fumble and awarded to the Texans. Corley never fully recovered from that incident.
Fast forward to this season, and Mitchell experienced a similar heartbreak. In Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, Mitchell looked to have scored a 75-yard touchdown while still a member of the Colts. Yet, upon further review, he lost control of the ball as he entered the end zone. Like Corley’s play, it was no longer a touchdown but a fumble, giving possession to the opposing team.
### Accountability and Future Outlook
Here is a key difference between the two players: after Corley fumbled, he did not take accountability publicly. By contrast, Colts Insider Jake Arthur shared on “Boy Green Daily” that Mitchell took his mistake very seriously and vowed never to let it happen again.
The Jets are hoping this situation works out better than it did with Corley. Rich Cimini noted that the Jets believe they have a “gem” in Mitchell. Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic added that if the Colts hadn’t included Mitchell in the Gardner trade, the deal wouldn’t have gone through — a testament to how much they value him.
With nine games left this season, Mitchell has the opportunity to repay the Jets’ faith and make a meaningful impact in New York.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/new-york-jets/adonai-mitchell-cleveland-browns-nfl-trade/
