NEW YORK — Denzel Mims has been fighting for a roster spot throughout Jets training camp this summer.
Now it appears the wide receiver is ready to move on to another team.
According to his agent Ron Slavin, Mims has requested to be either traded or released.
“It’s just time,” Slavin said in a statement. “Denzel tried in good faith, but it’s clear he does not have a future with the Jets.
“Denzel vowed to come back better than ever this season and worked extremely hard in the offseason to make that happen. Still, he has been given no opportunities with the starting offense to get in a groove with them.
“We feel at this point, a trade is our only option since the Jets have told us repeatedly they will not release him.”
Mims was selected in the second round of the 2020 draft. But he has struggled on and off the field throughout his time with the Jets.
In two seasons, Mims has just 31 catches for 490 yards. He also battled injuries and an illness that kept him off the field. It would make sense why the Jets would try to trade Mims.
Mims has looked solid throughout training camp but is buried under a deep depth chart. Gang Green is loaded at the receiver position with Corey Davis, Garrett Wilson, Braxton Berrios and Elijah Moore. Also, Jeff Smith and Calvin Jackson have outplayed Mims throughout training camp.
The Jets saw they couldn’t rely on Mims to stay healthy and to be available during his first two seasons. He might think he’s a No. 1 option, but it certainly isn’t going to be on the Jets roster.
After Sunday’s preseason game against the Giants, the Jets have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. to find a trade partner for Mims. If they cannot find a team willing to trade for Mims, the Jets will have to release or keep Mims on the 53-man roster. With Mims publicly requesting a trade, teams might be reluctant to give anything of value to the Jets, knowing they will probably release him by Tuesday afternoon’s cut deadline.
