Max Mitchell's IR stint could be the last gasp for another Jets 2022 draftee

The New York Jets' much-heralded 2022 NFL Draft class has lost a bit of luster in the last few years, especially now that many of the more heralded names from that group are either already out of town or on their way out. Somehow, backup offensive tackle Max Mitchell is one of three members who survived until 2026.

Mitchell's time in New York may be coming to an end, unfortunately. The Jets signed former Indianapolis Colts mid-round pick Blake Freeland off the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad and put Mitchell on injured reserve. Mitchell has spent the last few years as a backup for Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu.

The Jets will likely sign another veteran stopgap in the Mitchell or Chukwuma Okorafor mold to back up Membou and Fashanu beyond this season. Mitchell will likely be yet another Joe Douglas mid-round pick that will get thrown on the proverbial pile as Darren Mougey cleans house.

Jets place backup OT Max Mitchell on IR

Mitchell has started 17 games over five seasons with the Jets. While he has shown some versatility in his career, and 2025 was perhaps his best season as a blocker, Mitchell's chances of becoming a starter in this league are limited. If he lands somewhere else in 2027, it will be as a backup fighting to secure a roster spot.

Mitchell and Jeremy Ruckert are in the same spot, as they have hung on to backup roles for longer than anyone expected, despite not being particularly amazing. Among the 2022 draftees, only Garrett Wilson is playing at a well-above-average level. Breece Hall might be on his way out the door soon.

Max Mitchell is one of just a few 2022 New York Jets draftees left

Sauce Gardner was as good as it got among cornerbacks in the NFL for a few years, but his trade to the Indianapolis Colts has simultaneously wrecked that team's short-term future while giving the Jets a path to get off the mat if Darren Mougey uses the assets he acquired in the deal to great effect.

Oddly enough, one of now-departed Colts GM Chris Ballard's final moves was to sign former Jets 2022 pick Micheal Clemons to a three-year contract. Clemons, who became disliked among Jets fans for his lack of pass rush upside as a 4-3 defensive end, played in just two games and recorded zero tackles before hitting injured reserve.

Jermaine Johnson II was on the path to stardom before a torn Achilles crushed his positive momentum. The Jets swapped him for Tennessee Titans nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat. Johnson has been a firmly average player who has recorded three sacks in 2026, while Sweat looks like a solid defensive tackle.

Mitchell may soon join many of his 2022 draftees in getting the boot out of Florham Park.

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