The New York Jets are a different team than they were to start the week, to say the least.
The NFL trade deadline was an earth-shattering event in Florham Park, New Jersey, with the Jets shipping out two of their defensive cornerstones to give them a better chance at the future.
Sauce Gardner, now with the Indianapolis Colts, supplied New York with two first-round picks over the next two years and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Quinnen Williams, now a Dallas Cowboy, netted the Jets a first and a second-round pick, along with defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Of course, the Jets aren’t going to be able to replicate the production of either player as they work their way through the back half of the 2025 NFL season.
But there’s something to be said about the “lottery tickets” they received in both trades.
Could Mitchell step up as the Jets’ WR2? Or can Smith reestablish himself as the first-round talent he was in 2023?
Can Adonai Mitchell be a Long-Term Fit in New York?
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn met with the media today ahead of the team’s Week 10 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
He declined to specify if the Jets’ new trade deadline additions would be suited up and active for the contest, but did take the time to rave about New York’s acquisitions.
Mitchell, the 52nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, figures to have a legitimate shot to make a mark with the Jets.
Their current receiver room leaves a lot to be desired, and the former Texas standout will likely have ample playing time and opportunities to carve out a role for himself.
“That’s the plan, come here, get a change of scenery because he is definitely talented. I think you guys already know that from what he did in college, coming to the NFL, so he’s excited to be here, I do know that,” Glenn told the press.
“Looking forward to getting him out there and you just see how he’s built in his pads. He looks like a true X receiver, so I’m excited for having that player.”
Mitchell certainly has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL; his 4.35 40-yard dash time at the 2024 NFL Combine was the fastest for any wideout in his class.
The former Texas Longhorn was just buried in a deep wide receiver room in Indianapolis, and couldn’t keep himself on the field due to mental mistakes.
Can Mazi Smith Fill-in for Quinnen Williams?
It’s not likely that Smith will be able to replicate the dominant force Williams was on the Jets’ defensive line, but he certainly has the opportunity to try.
The former 26th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has been disappointing throughout his NFL tenure, never quite fitting with the Dallas Cowboys.
In three seasons, the former Michigan Wolverine started 20 of 39 possible games, racking up 57 tackles, two sacks, and seven tackles for loss.
He’ll join a Jets defensive front featuring Harrison Phillips, Jowon Briggs, and Jay Tufele.
Glenn also raved about Smith in his media availability, citing untapped potential in the 24-year-old.
“Well, I go back to when he was in Michigan, at this point I was in Detroit. And he came, he visited with us. And man, he’s a huge man, he’s strong, has all the traits that you’re really looking for when it comes to defensive tackle,” Glenn said.
“And obviously things didn’t work out well with him in Dallas. And just like AD [Mitchell], man, we’re hoping that he can get a change of scenery and come here with us and be able to provide what we’re looking for also when it comes to defensive tackles.”
The newest members of the Jets will have ample opportunities as the 2025 season rolls on to prove that they can be long-term staples of Glenn’s roster.
If not, New York has some future draft capital they can fall back on as insurance.
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