The Minnesota Vikings made a major change to their wide receiver group this offseason. After nine seasons with his hometown team, Adam Thielen was released this offseason. With a cap hit of nearly $20 million, Minnesota opted to release Thielen, who signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.
Without Thielen in the mix, the Vikings are left with a major void on their offense. His production was no longer matching his salary, but the steady veteran was a reliable target for Kirk Cousins in the passing game. Without him, K.J. Osborn will likely take on a larger role in the offense.
As long as Justin Jefferson is playing, this passing game will be a tough one to slow down. But, Minnesota certainly needs more behind him and Osborn. Next up on the depth chart are Jalen Nailor and Jalen Reagor, who combined for 17 catches in 32 games.
That kind of production isn’t going to cut it, and the Vikings should be on the lookout for some upgrades. Taking a wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft is certainly a possibility, but if they want a little bit of a more established player, the trade market could offer some options.
The Vikings aren’t going to go to the top of the trade market for someone such as DeAndre Hopkins. But, a seldom-used former second-round pick with upside could be their speed. That player would be Denzel Mims of the New York Jets.
Mims was selected No. 59 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and is entering the final year of his contract. He was buried on the team’s depth chart last season and will be even lower this year after the moves New York made this offseason.
Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman were signed and the Jets have been linked to Odell Beckham Jr. With Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis remaining on the roster, Mims could be the fifth option, at best.
Mims was involved in trade rumors last year and New York should once again receive calls on him ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. What could a deal between them and the Vikings look like? Minnesota can offer their fifth-round pick in exchange for Mims.
The Baylor product is very clearly not in the Jets’ long-term plans, so getting any draft capital in exchange for him on an expiring deal is good value. For the Vikings, Mims would bring a much-needed deep threat to their offense.
In his career, the speedster has averaged 16.1 yards per reception. Out of all the players on the Vikings last season that had at least 10 receptions, Jefferson led the way with 14.1 yards per reception. Osborn and Thielen came in at 10.8 and 10.2.
In Minnesota, Mims would find a more consistent role as the likely No. 3 option. If things go well, he could even supplant Osborn for No. 2 duties. Heading into the final year of his deal, Mims should be pushing for a trade to land with a team that will give him a bigger role in the offense than the Jets can offer.
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