Jets will release WR Denzel Mims if no trade partner is found: source

As players report for the start of training camp, the Jets decided to move on from a former second-round player who never met expectations.

The Jets will release wide receiver Denzel Mims if the team does not find a trade partner for the fourth-year player, according to a league source.

Gang Green will try to trade Mims but will be placed on waivers if the team fails to do so.

The Jets excused Mims from reporting from training camp as the rest of their team is set to report on Wednesday.

Mims was selected 59th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, but that was under the previous coaching staff under then-Jets coach Adam Gase. He displayed flashes as a rookie in 2020, as he caught 23 receptions for 357 yards in nine games.

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Not only following the Jets hire of Robert Saleh in 2021, Mims lost 20 pounds during the 2021 offseason after dealing with food poisoning. Mims never seemed to get back on track as his playing decreased that year as he caught 11 receptions for 186 yards.

Last season wasn’t much better for Mims as he was so low on the Jets depth chart he requested a trade last August. The Jets didn’t grant Mims’ request as he remained on the roster as he finished with eight catches for 133 yards. It also didn’t help that Mims didn’t have any versatility to play on special teams, something most players lower on the depth chart usually have.

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This will be the latest move the Jets have made at receiver since the start of free agency in March. Previously, Gang Green traded Elijah Moore, a third-round pick to the Browns in exchange for a second-round pick. Then the Jets released former All-Pro returner Braxton Berrios, who later signed with the Dolphins.

To replace Moore and Berrios, the Jets signed Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million contract. They also signed Mecole Hardman, who has the ability to play on special teams as a returner.