Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is not going to accept Denzel Mims’ trade request. In Sunday’s 31-27 preseason win over the New York Giants, Saleh says Mims “As far as I am concerned it will be here.” Paul Andrew Esden Jr. @BoyGreen25
#Jets HC Robert Saleh describes WR Denzel Mims ( @Zel5Zelly ) to #Giants as ‘gritty’ + When asked about his future, Saleh highlighted that he is one of the best 6 WRs on the team. He’s here unless he’s traded: 🎥 @nyjets #TakeFlight #NYGvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/bJTTqaiZTJ
Mims’ agent Ron Slavin was released, a statement on Thursday said, The 24-year-old wide receiver has “no future with the Jets” and wants to leave: Mike [email protected]
via #Jets WR Denzel Mims, asking for a trade or release of a 2020 second-round pick. Mims had 31 catches and 67 targets in 20 career games. pic.twitter.com/KhiI5LItF1
A day later, Saleh spoke about the story and said he had a “very good conversation with Mims.
Jets video @snyjets
Robert Saleh spoke to Denzel Mims about his trade request earlier today: pic.twitter.com/61jL6C3AFh
Sunday’s game was both a way for Saleh and the coaching staff to communicate his usage to Mims and an opportunity for the disgruntled winger to show his skills to any potential trade suitors.
Mission accomplished in either case. Mims was New York’s primary catcher at 102 yards Completed 7 passes and 8 touchdowns in the distance.
NFL Network @nflnetwork
Six targets. Six captures. One TD .
Denzel Mims score 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gqO7bnMOh7
“I think I’m much better,” he told reporters. “I’ve always been like this and had a chance to show it today. I was sick last year, so I didn’t come back the way I wanted.”
“This year, I had a full offseason with no illness, no injuries, so this year I feel good. My first year, I had COVID, and then last year, I had an illness, so it Just one time and it all went well.”
Mims, a second-round pick in the 2020 draft, 31 times in 20 games Catch 490 yards. His frustration is understandable as his career so far has not worked out the way anyone had hoped.
But there is still some time to turn things around.
The Jets selected Garrett Wilson with the 10th pick, but at their disposal. Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus ranks their receiving team 18th on the season. New York shouldn’t dump people who can meaningfully help its passing game, and presumably should have a chance Let Mims occupy the kind of role he wants. If Sunday is any indication, both sides could get what they want.
