It wasn't that long ago that Denzel Mims was a more highly-regarded WR prospect than George Pickens. Their careers have gone very different directions, with Pickens playing 2026 on the franchise tag and Mims coming off a two-year stint in the UFL. While likely not to the same degree, can the Cowboys help Mims' career as they did Pickens' last year?
Years in NFL: 4*
Acquired by: Free agency (2026)
Mims was a second-round pick by the Jets in 2020, part of a loaded WR class that included CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, Brandon Aiyuk, Jerry Jeudy, and several others who've found steady, contributing roles in the NFL. But on top of entering the league during COVID, which that entire class had to overcome, Mims also missed most of his rookie training camp to injury. He didn't play until Week 7, but still had what ended up being his most productive season with 23 catches for 357 yards in nine games.
In Mims' second season, the Jets went from offensive-minded head coach Adam Gase to Robert Saleh, who brought in Matt LaFleur as a new offensive coordinator. This regime change, plus his own issues, hurt Mims' development and footing with the team. He went from eight starts as a rookie to just three in 2021. Mims requested a trade ahead of the 2022 seasons but was denied, and again was limited to a minor role in the WR rotation.
The Jets did finally trade him away in the 2023 offseason to the Lions, but he was waived/injured by Detroit midway through the preseason. He spent about two months on the Steelers' practice squad but didn't make it to their training camp the following year. The Jaguars gave him a look during their camp in 2024, but released him before final cuts.
#second
Years in NFL: 4*
Acquired by: Free agency (2026)
Mims was a second-round pick by the Jets in 2020, part of a loaded WR class that included CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, Brandon Aiyuk, Jerry Jeudy, and several others who've found steady, contributing roles in the NFL. But on top of entering the league during COVID, which that entire class had to overcome, Mims also missed most of his rookie training camp to injury. He didn't play until Week 7, but still had what ended up being his most productive season with 23 catches for 357 yards in nine games.
In Mims' second season, the Jets went from offensive-minded head coach Adam Gase to Robert Saleh, who brought in Matt LaFleur as a new offensive coordinator. This regime change, plus his own issues, hurt Mims' development and footing with the team. He went from eight starts as a rookie to just three in 2021. Mims requested a trade ahead of the 2022 seasons but was denied, and again was limited to a minor role in the WR rotation.
The Jets did finally trade him away in the 2023 offseason to the Lions, but he was waived/injured by Detroit midway through the preseason. He spent about two months on the Steelers' practice squad but didn't make it to their training camp the following year. The Jaguars gave him a look during their camp in 2024, but released him before final cuts.
#second
3 months ago
