Why Adonai Mitchell should be Jets' top breakout candidate in 2026

The New York Jets made two massive moves at the 2025 NFL trade deadline, sending Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a huge haul, but more importantly, Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts.

Not only did the Jets get two first-round picks in return for Gardner, but they also received wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. He struggled with the Colts and didn't really find his footing with the Jets in 2025.

But now, heading into the 2026 season, as Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic highlighted, Mitchell's breakout season could finally be here. Mitchell should be the Jets' top breakout candidate, and it's for a few clear reasons.

Jets' Adonai Mitchell should be top breakout candidate for 2026 season

"He was a standout in the spring as his chemistry grew with Geno Smith - in the practices media attended, Smith looked his way even more than Garrett Wilson," Rosenblatt writes.

That is already a good sign for Mitchell, as his chemistry being great with the starting quarterback is a good sign for the young wide receiver.

But that's hardly all the reason why Mitchell could break out in 2026. He came out of the draft as a receiver with great physical tools, as his size and speed made him a very intriguing WR prospect.

It obviously didn't work with the Colts, as he had 464 yards on 32 receptions with no touchdowns in 25 games during the season and a half he spent in Indianapolis.

MORE: Browns TE Harold Fannin Jr. receives ‘arrow up’ projection from NFC exec

Mitchell has already shown promise with the Jets, posting 301 yards on 24 receptions with two touchdowns in just eight games. Though it came with Garrett Wilson on the sidelines, the quarterback play last year for Mitchell was terrible.

With even mediocre QB play, Mitchell having a breakout season would not be a huge surprise. Even though he's going to have to compete with Wilson, Omar Cooper Jr., Kenyon Sadiq, and Breece Hall for touches, Mitchell should get plenty of work.

He's locked into the starting lineup with Wilson and Cooper, and if his chemistry with Smith carries over into the season, Mitchell could be in store for a huge third year in the league.

The potential is there, and 2026 might finally be the perfect storm for Mitchell to break out as the receiver he's capable of becoming.

More NFL news:

• How 49ers' problem with Brandon Aiyuk might've been solved without a trade or release
• Bears urged by NFL exec to use Cole Kmet more amid top-10 TE ranking
• 49ers predicted to trade for Maxx Crosby during training camp
• Rams predicted to sign ex-49ers, Commanders WR Deebo Samuel
• Browns’ Sheduer Sanders predicted to win QB battle during training camp