If there were doubts about how serious Denzel Mims was when he requested a trade from the Jets in August 2022, this should put them to rest. Mims, who was traded to the Lions in exchange for a ’25 sixth-round draft pick, was an open book after practicing with his new team on Monday.
The former second-round pick out of Baylor came ready with plenty to say while praising his new team and very obviously throwing shade back at New York.
In an NSFW response to a question about if he has a chip on his shoulder from feeling like people gave up on him, Mims had a pointed response, courtesy of Lukas Klotz of Woodward Sports.
“Oh, s--- yeah, s--- yeah, for sure, damn right, I got a chip on my shoulder for sure. It’s time for me to show it, though, I’m ready to show it,” Mims said.
The jabs then continued with his comments about “finally” getting to show what he can do with the Lions.
“Finally get to go out here and show what I can do and play every position I want to play and just get to do everything I want to do, not just some stuff, so I’m thankful,” Mims said.
Mims also said how excited he is to be with Detroit. He was asked about his best asset as a receiver, to which Mims said, “Everything. I can do everything, and I’m finally going to get to show it.”
Denzel Mims said he "did everything" he could do with the Jets.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 24, 2023
The new Lions wide receiver thinks he'll work well in Detroit "because everybody believe(s) in me." pic.twitter.com/ZfNuWStZP4
Mims also said the “vibes are a lot better” in Detroit and said he already has the playbook down, something he was criticized for in New York.
#Lions WR Denzel Mims seemingly took a few shots at the #Jets during his media availability:
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) July 25, 2023
- "Vibes here are a lot better"
- "The chip is real big [on my shoulder], I finally get to go out here & show what I can do & play every position I want to play & get to do everything I… pic.twitter.com/w8hhFTVqzk
Mims flashed upside early in his career, posting 23 receptions for 357 yards in just nine games during his rookie season. He played out of a reserve role after the 2020 season, seeing just 48 targets over the next two years in 21 games. He could be an interesting candidate as an under-the-radar breakout star this season thanks to a fresh start.
