On Wednesday afternoon news broke that the Pittsburgh Steelers were interested in trading for under performing former second round pick Denzel Mims. It was believed that the Steelers were targeting Mims due to his ability to stretch the field when given the opportunity.
(Doug Murray / Associated Press)
It was believed that the New England Patriots and Steelers were trying to acquire New York Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims.
Long time NFL insider Matt Lombardo shared the news on Twitter this afternoon citing the famous 'league sources' as where he heard the news.
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 connection between the Steelers and Mims is wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson. Jackson was Mims coach for two seasons at Baylor where Mims starred from 2016-2019. As a senior Mims caught 66 passes for 1020 yards and 12 touchdowns. He finished his career at Baylor with 28 touchdowns and 2925 yards.
Around 5pm it was reported by Ian Rapoport that the Jets changed their mind and would be seeking a trade instead of an outright release of Mims.
The #Jets did not release WR Denzel Mims today, despite informing him of their plans. This keeps open the possibility of a trade.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 19, 2023
This decision change likely came due to the interest that came once it was announced that Mims would be released. After it was initially reported that the Steelers and Patriots were trying to make a move for Mims there was a report that another team was involved. Now it seems clear that the other team was the Detroit Lions. According to NFL insider Josina Anderson Mims has now been traded to the Lions.
Update #2: I'm told a trade to send #Jets WR Denzel Mims to the Detroit #Lions "is pretty much done," per league source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 20, 2023
Still "working through the details." https://t.co/nGelk3SWWp
The move makes sense for the Lions as they lost Jameson Williams for half the season due to a gambling suspension. Williams was of course the Lions first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and was expected to make a huge jump for the team in 2023.
With the Lions Mims will be in the mix from the beginning as he will be thrown into a battle with Marvin Jones Jr. and Josh Reynolds for a starting position.
USA Today
The slot position is currently locked down by young stud Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Steelers Made Less Sense
When it comes down to it it makes more sense for Mims to want to head to the Lions. In Pittsburgh it was going to be an uphill battle just to make the roster. In Detroit he's going to have a chance to be a starter when Week 1 rolls around.
It's also unknown whether Mims will even be able to make it in the league. He hasn't show much yet to show that he even belongs.
The reported compensation for Mims is a conditional 6th round pick in 2024 and a 2025 seventh round pick. That price would've been too steep for Pittsburgh. Especially considering they didn't have a strong need to add another wide receiver.
Are you sad the Steelers didn't get a deal done? Let us know in the comments.
#SteelerNation
