The Falcons don’t have the deepest receiving core, but there’s an option on the market. The Jets’ 2020 second-round pick Denzel Mims informed the team Thursday that he wants to be traded in a statement released by his agent.
“It’s just time,” Ron Slavin said. “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 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.”
During his rookie season, Mims recorded 23 receptions for 357 yards in nine games but has been relegated to a reserve role since then, battling illnesses and injuries. In 11 games last season, the former Baylor Bear put up a measly eight catches for 133 yards and has yet to record his first NFL touchdown. Through this year’s preseason, Mims has five catches for 68 yards, including a drop and pre-snap penalty.
With Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson, and Braxton Barrios on the roster, Mims’ opportunities were going to be hard to come by, hence the trade request. The Falcons could take a flyer on Mims, given his pedigree as a prospect; after all, the Falcons receivers aren’t exactly the best group in football. The top target this year will undoubtedly be Kyle Pitts, a tight end, followed by some combination of Bryan Edwards, Drake London, and Olamide Zaccheaus.
The room could use some bolstering, and Mims is in need of a fresh start. With a rebuilding Falcons team, he could finally realize his potential. Moreover, Atlanta could use a low-cost, high-upside receiving target for Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder. This doesn’t seem like the type of deal a contender makes because, at this point, Mims isn’t a proven commodity. I would be shocked if the Falcons pulled the trigger, but stranger things have happened in this league.
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