It appears the Jets and wide receiver Denzel Mims are headed for a split. The New York Post on Wednesday reported the team will waive the former second-round pick if they can’t find a last-minute trade partner. While the 49ers may not get involved in a trade or on the waiver wire, they could be players for Mims if he hits unrestricted free agency.
The first three years of Mims’ career have been largely disappointing. He went No. 59 overall in the 2020 draft after a good college career at Baylor and some tremendous numbers in his pre-draft testing. At 6-3, 207 pounds he ripped off a 4.38-second 40-yard dash with a 131-inch broad jump and a 6.66-second three-cone. All of those marks are 90th percentile and above among WRs.
Size and athleticism are present in spades for Mims who hasn’t jelled with the new coaching staff that arrived the year after he was drafted. He has just 42 catches for 676 yards and no touchdowns in 30 games in his career.
A change of scenery may help him some, and the 49ers provide an opportunity for him to compete for a roster spot where he could have a legitimate role in the offense.
Mims is something of a one-trick pony with his speed and contested catch prowess, but it’s not out of the question that he could come in and fill the role the team expected Danny Gray to fill when they selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft. Gray struggled in his rookie year and isn’t a shoo-in for a roster spot this year. Bringing in Mims to compete with Gray could be beneficial for both players, which would ultimately help the 49ers in finding the vertical threat their offense is lacking.
There’s always the chance Mims doesn’t work out and winds up not making the roster, but his skill set at 25-years old is intriguing enough to bring in if he clears waivers. And if he does pan out he would add a much-needed wrinkle for San Francisco.
Update:
The Jets and Lions have agreed to a trade that will send the receiver to Detroit.
