One of the NFL’s worst-kept secrets is the Chicago Bears’ need for receiver help.
And recently, there has been ample chatter surrounding the possibility of the Bears looking externally to find some roster fits. So much so, that there is an expectation the team will do *SOMETHING* after Saturday’s preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns. With rosters getting cut from 80 to 53 by this upcoming Tuesday’s 3 p.m. CT deadline, some intriguing players figure to make their way onto the waiver wire.
But perhaps some could make their way onto the trade market.
One of the more intriguing possibilities might be Denzel Mims, whose agent told NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport that he wants Jets GM Joe Douglas to move him to a new team:
Mims, 24, was a Jets second-round pick in 2020. But in 20 games for New York, Mims has yet to show off why he was a prized prospect. Mims has put up just 31 catches and 490 receiving yards in the games he has been available to play. He has also seen his snap share go from 82 percent of offensive plays as a rookie in 2020 to just 40 percent in 2021. Mims also went from getting 8 starts in 9 games in 2020 to just 3 starts in 11 games in 2021. Clearly, Mims and the Jets aren’t Viking right now. Hence, the trade request from Mims’ agent.
Naturally, seeing this makes me wonder about a Bears fit. And while part of me wonders how much leaving a bad Jets offense for a Bears offense that doesn’t project to be much better (if at all), there is a part of me that wants to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Particularly when it comes to players with Mims’ prospect pedigree.
Mims was a top-10 receiver on our pre-draft composite ranking in 2020. And some mock drafts had Mims falling to the Bears in Round 2. Here’s what we had to say about him then:
Mims dropping to 50 would be unexpected, especially since there were plenty of first-round vibes surrounding the Baylor product heading into draft weekend. At 6-3 and 207 pounds, Mims has desired receiver size to go along with speed to burn (he ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the Combine) that would make him an ideal fit for any offense — but specifically, for a Bears team that needs receiver help.
Between his college production and untapped potential, there are reasons to have an interest in Mims. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport believes teams will be interested. And I wonder if the Bears will be one of them. Better yet, I’m curious if they’ll want to jump the line and trade another piece of future late-round draft capital to swing a deal for Mims. GM Ryan Poles has already done it once before. What could be the harm in doing it again?
UPDATE — The Jets are entertaining offers…
… but don’t plan on releasing him outright. Frankly, I think I’d call the Jets’ bluff on this. But stay tuned.