Lions trade for risky potential Jameson Williams replacement

The Detroit Lions addressed their need for wide receiver help, especially with Jameson Williams suspended for six games. They finalized a trade with the New York Jets for Denzel Mims.

The Detroit Lions have high expectations heading into the 2023 season, especially after they just barely missed out on a playoff spot last year. With the team expected to contend for the NFC North title, they received word this offseason that second-year wide receiver Jameson Williams would be suspended for six games for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. With that, the Lions needed to shore up the depth behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.

On Wednesday, they did just that.

According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, the Lions are acquiring wide receiver Denzel Mims from the New York Jets.

CBS Sports insider Josina Anderson was the first to report that the Jets had “exploratory trade talks” with the Lions for Mims and that the wide receiver was open to the possibility of joining the team.

Lions acquire WR Denzel Mims from Jets

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the Lions will receive Mims and a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Jets receive a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick.

Earlier on Wednesday, the New York Post’s Brian Costello reported that the Jets planned on waiving Mims. However, they would look to find a trade partner before doing so. Other teams that were linked to Mims were the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mims’ spot on the wide receiver depth chart was very much in question. The team already had Garrett Wilson, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Corey Davis leading away. Then this offseason, the Jets brought in Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, and Randall Cobb as additional weapons for new quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Back at Baylor, Mims was a machine in the passing attack. In his four years, Mims hauled in 186 passes for 2,925 yards and 28 touchdowns in his four years at the university.

Once getting selected by the Jets in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he didn’t break out and make an impact like many had expected. That can be attributed to the injuries he picked up over the years, and that the Jets added more wideouts that jumped him on the depth chart.

In 30 games played (15 starts) over three years, Mims recorded 42 receptions for 676 yards and zero touchdowns on 92 targets.

Mims will now look to etch his spot on the Lions’ roster. The team did have a need at the position with Williams not playing until Week 7. We’ll see if he can make the 53-man roster to start the season.