The Pittsburgh Steelers might not be done yet when it comes to acquiring talent. Though they already traded for one wide receiver this offseason, it appears that they could be targeting another one as training camp quickly is approaching.
USA Today
The latest rumor to begin flying on Wednesday afternoon is that the Steelers, and the New England Patriots are both quickly 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
This comes as a big surprise to most as the Steelers seem to have a strong receiving room. Guaranteed roster spots already belong to Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, and most likely Calvin Austin. That doesn't leave a lot of room for another option, especially one that most likely wants to find his way onto the field after failing to do so with the Jets.
Reports surfaced a few hours ago that the Jets were going to straight up release Mims. Mims was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but after coaching changes in 2021 he seemed to grow disgruntled in New York. Mims was excused from training camp and didn't report with the rest of the team on Wednesday. Mims failed to establish a consistent role in his three seasons in New York catching only 42 passes for 676 yards and never scored a touchdown.
NFL.com
Last offseason Mims requested a trade after not being given an opportunity to start.
"It's just time. Denzel tried in good faith but it's clear he does not have a future with the Jets," Mims agent said in a statement. "Denzel vowed to come back better then ever this season and worked extremely hard in the offseason to make that happen. Still, he has been given no opportunities with the starting offense to get in a groove with them.
"We feel at this point a trade is our only option, since the Jets have told us repeatedly they will not release him. Joe Douglas has always done right by Denzel and we trust he will do everything in his power to find another team where Denzel can be a contributor."
It took another offseason but now it sounds like Mims will get his request from last season. Mims played in ten games last season only starting in 4. He caught 11 passes for 186 yards during the span.
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.
Steelers Trade Compensation
Considering the Jets will likely release Mims at some point if a trade can't be worked out the return compensation to the Jets should be very light. It's likely the Steelers would just have to give up a 7th round pick in 2024, or 2025. The pick would also likely be attached to the expectation that Mims makes the Steelers 53 man roster heading into the season. If he wouldn't then the team wouldn't be on the hook for any compensation back to the Jets.
What do you think of this latest rumor? Do you think the Steelers should bring Mims to Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments!
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