Former Jets second-round pick expected to be cut or traded during training camp
According to Jets beat reporter Brian Costello, the New York Jets are planning on releasing or trading 2020 second-round pick Denzel Mims. But don't feel bad for him. It's the best thing for his career. Plus, it's what Mims has wanted dating back to August 2022.
Mims has only mustered 42 receptions for 676 yards in his first three seasons and is still looking for his first career touchdown.
He was drafted 59th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft after four seasons at Baylor. There, he had two 1,000-yard seasons and at least eight touchdowns three times.
A holdover of the Adam Gase era, Mims wasn't given much of an opportunity under Robert Saleh, hired in 2021. As a rookie, Mims started eight games and finished the season with 23 receptions on 44 targets for 357 yards. Over the past two seasons, Mims has seven starts and 19 receptions on 48 targets for 319 yards.
He flashed signs of deserving a larger role in New York during the 2021 preseason, particularly on this play against the Giants when he caught the ball short of the line to gain but carried defenders beyond the first down marker.
He had the misfortune of having Zach Wilson as his starting quarterback for the past two seasons, which helps explain why his numbers dipped. Mims was hardly the problem.
He became expendable after the front office signed Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. They join 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, Mecole Hardman, Corey Davis and Malik Taylor in a crowded wide receiver room.
Even with Aaron Rodgers representing by far the best quarterback Mims would have played with, he likely would have gotten lost in the shuffle.
Mims is the classic case of a player needing a change of scenery. Instead of collecting dust on the shelf, he can go where he's needed.
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