New York Jets wide-receiver Denzel Mims has made it clear he wishes to leave the MetLife Stadium ahead of the new season and has cited a lack of opportunities as the reason for his trade request.
The 24-year-old was drafted to the Jets in 2020, a second-round pick and 59th overall, played nine games in 2021 as New York doubled their win tally from two to four under new coach Robert Saleh.
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As far as Mims’ future at the franchise, the possibility of the Baylor graduate pushing for an exit has been brewing, and the player’s agent has made a case for a departure pretty clear, to say the least;
“It’s just time,”
“Denzel has tried in good faith, but it is clear he does not have a future with the Jets. Denzel vowed to come back better than ever this season, and he worked extremely hard in the offseason to make that happen. Still, he has been given very few opportunities to work with the starting offense and get into a groove with them.”
“We feel at this point a trade is our only option since the Jets have repeatedly told us they will not be releasing him. Joe Douglas (New York Jets general manager) has always done right by Denzel, and we trust that he will make every effort to find him a new home where he can be a contributor.”
Mims impressed in his rookie season but has found himself benched for much of last season and is yet to score his first NFL touchdown. Even though he’s impressed in the training camp, he’s still likely to be down to the reserves.
Saleh has admitted that Mims is moving in the right direction, but it may just be a simple case of him not likely to break through at the Jets, and comments made by the player make it clear that he’s not happy with the current situation.
“I show it every day, so it’s up to them if they want to play me or not. But I show every day what I can do. I’m going to continue to do that.”
Currently, he sits behind Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore in the Jet pecking order, and an exit seems likely, but where could Mims end up?
The level of outfit that may come after Mims will have improved following the pre-season display he put in against the New York Giants in the Jets’ final warm-up game.
He made 102 yards and scored a touchdown as the Jets won 31-27 at the MetLife and believes the performance is very much a statement of intent;
“I feel like I can do anything that I set my mind to,”
“All I need to do is come out, play hard, play physical, do my job, and play.”
The ball may well now be in Saleh’s court.
