There’s no denying that Jets’ receiver Denzel Mims has a lot of talent. Though, as one of New York’s second-round picks in 2020, the former Baylor standout has failed to live up to the hype thus far in his career. Through two years, the wideout has just 31 catches for 490 yards and zero touchdowns.
With New York seemingly moving onto other weapons for Zach Wilson, Mims is understandably frustrated, recently formally requesting a trade. And after a standout performance (seven catches, 102 yards, one touchdown) against the Giants (+3.5) in the Jets’ preseason finale, Mims seemingly doubled down on his desire to leave New York:
#Jets WR Denzel Mims, who recently requested to be traded or released by the team, scored a touchdown in the 4th quarter. pic.twitter.com/sxnyqUXAGP
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 28, 2022
#Jets WR Denzel Mims with six catches for 91 yards and a TD just now. Points to his wrist after the score as if to say, “It’s time.”
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 28, 2022
In the post-game, when asked about Mims, Jets head coach Robert Saleh said he’s one of the best receivers on New York’s roster. Oh, an endorsement!
But Saleh also said that Mims would be “here” [New York] unless he’s traded. Uh, not exactly a ringing endorsement for Mims’ future in green and white!
#Jets HC Robert Saleh described WR Denzel Mims’ ( @Zel5Zelly) performance against #Giants as ‘gritty’ + when asked about his future Saleh says emphatically that he is one of the 6 best WRs on the team & he will be here unless he gets traded: 🎥 @nyjets #TakeFlight #NYGvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/bJTTqaiZTJ
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) August 28, 2022
When asked to clarify his trade plea after what might have been his final game in a Jets uniform, Mims was understandably tight-lipped — deferring to conversations between himself and his agent:
Denzel Mims doesn’t have much to say about his trade request. Said it was just a decision he and his agent made. #Jets pic.twitter.com/mTNdPanOXN
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 28, 2022
We don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes in Jets land. But these are not pictures of a relationship that seems like it’s in a quality place at the moment. If Mims does indeed stay in New York, you have to wonder for how long and whether a trade for the WR materializes with just about two weeks to go before the regular season.