The New England Patriots are reportedly “in the mix” to land New York Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims.
On Wednesday, the Jets informed Mims that he would be released if they’re unable to work out a trade before the 2023 season.
According to NFL insider Matt Lombardo, the Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are the leading candidates to land Mims in any possible trade deal.
Two teams that are in the mix on Denzel Mims are the #Steelers and #Patriots, according to league sources. | @HeavyOnSports
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) July 19, 2023
The Patriots were in the hunt to land DeAndre Hopkins in free agency, but the veteran wide receiver ultimately landed with the Tennessee Titans earlier this week. While Mims is nowhere near D-Hop’s caliber, he could help provide some young talent on a thin New England depth chart.
Mims joined the Jets as a second-round draft pick in 2020, but never caught on as a consistent producer for the New York franchise. The former Baylor star reeled in just 42 catches for 676 yards and no touchdowns through his first three NFL seasons.
The Patriots’ current wide receiver depth chart consists of expected starters JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton and reserves Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, etc.
Even if the Patriots don’t land Mims in a trade, they could sign him as a free agent if the Jets release him.