Denzel Mims to be waived if Jets can’t trade WR, source confirms

FLORHAM PARK, NJ — On the day they opened training camp with Aaron Rodgers-fueled optimism, the New York Jets bid farewell to a disappointing draft pick from their recent past.

Wide receiver Denzel Mims, a 2020 second-round player who never found a foothold on the current Jets coaching staff, has been told he will be fired unless traded, a source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.

The Jets are looking to trade Mims, who requested a trade a year ago but will be subject to a waiver if New York cannot reach an agreement with another team. The Jets’ plan to forego Mims was first reported by the New York Post.

Mims was excused from training camp and did not report to the rest of the squad. The move came as no surprise as Mims failed to establish a consistent role, catching just 42 catches for 676 yards while not scoring a touchdown in three seasons.

It’s the latest in a reshuffle at the Jets’ wide receivers, who traded Elijah Moore — a 2021 second-round pick — to the Cleveland Browns in March and also refused to re-sign Braxton Berrios, a former All-Star oblige. Pro kick returner who eventually transferred to the Miami Dolphins.

The next Jets receiver in the hot seat could be Corey Davis, who has an uncertain role and a $11 million cap, making him a candidate for a pay cut.

The Jets believe they upgraded their receiving squad with the signings of Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, both of whom played at Rodgers in Green Bay. They also signed speedster Mecole Hardman.

Mims is considered a fifth or sixth receiver on the depth chart and doesn’t play on special teams, which minimizes his value in the team’s eyes.

The general mood was good as always at camp on the first day, but according to the players it felt different.

“You can start with any cameras available to start day one,” said linebacker CJ Mosley. “We have a big name here in Aaron Rodgers. On your first day here you can feel many screws and bolts tightening. That’s to be expected given the name and the way it performs.” [himself]. … Everyone is thrilled from top to bottom – coaches, players.”

The Jets are featured on the HBO series Hard Knocks, which drew even more attention.

As expected, the Jets put running back Breece Hall on the list of physically unfit players. The Jets are optimistic Hall, who underwent cruciate ligament surgery last October, will be ready for Week 1.

Wide receiver Randall Cobb and tight end CJ Uzomah were also drafted to PUP. They can be activated at any time.