The New York Jets completed a blockbuster trade with the Indianapolis Colts this week to acquire two future first-round draft choices and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
However, that almost 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 green and white host Cleveland in Week 10, coming off their bye week. Gang Green opened the week as a 2.5-point favorite. That was the first time they’ve been considered a favorite all season. However, that line quickly changed post-NFL trade deadline.
The Jets went from 2.5-point favorites to 2.5-point underdogs at home, per 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 see a familiar face across the field.
Ahead of final roster cuts, the Jets parted ways with pass catcher Malachi Corley. Corley entered the league as the No. 65 overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft.
The Jets traded up for him and considered 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.”
Corley quickly landed on his feet. He joined the Browns’ practice squad initially, but he eventually worked himself onto the 53-man roster.
Corley, 23, has appeared in four games so far this season. He has two rushing attempts for 42 yards. The former Western Kentucky product has also contributed two receptions for 17 yards. Corley is still seeking his first touchdown at the NFL level heading into this revenge game against the Jets.
Unique Symmetry With Massive Football Mistakes
There are a lot of reasons that Corley is no longer part of the Jets. One of his biggest mistakes took place on the field. In Week 9 last season, on Halloween, on 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. Corley appeared to walk untouched into the end zone from 19 yards out. However, upon further review, Corley dropped the football before crossing the plane of the end zone. Instead of the euphoria of a touchdown, the feelings immediately shifted to disappointment as the ball was ruled a fumble and was awarded to the Texans.
Corley never recovered from that incident.
Fast forward to this season, Mitchell appeared to score the first touchdown of his career. A 75-yard bobbing-and-weaving touchdown in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams while AD was still a member of the Colts.
However, upon further review, Mitchell lost control of the ball as he was walking into the end zone. The same painful ending as Corley’s play. It was no longer a touchdown; instead, it was a fumble, and the ball went to the opponent.
Here is the difference.
After Corley fumbled the ball, he didn’t take accountability publicly. I spoke with Colts Insider Jake Arthur on “Boy Green Daily,” and Mitchell was completely the opposite. He took the mistake very seriously and vowed never to make that mistake again.
The Jets are hoping this works out better than the Corley situation. Cimini said the Jets believe they have a “gem” in Mitchell. Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic said if the Colts didn’t put Mitchell into the Gardner trade, the deal wouldn’t have happened.
That shows how much they value him. Mitchell has nine games left this season to reward that faith.
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