The New York Jets finalized their 53-men roster on Tuesday. While being included in the final cut is good news for players, wide receiver Denzel Mims said he was frustrated that he was a backup player instead of a starter.
Mims claimed that the Jets’ coaching staff did not allow him to compete for the starting position. Despite his frustration, the 2020 second-round pick said he had accepted the decision.
“Of course, I’m going to be frustrated that I’m not playing with the starters, but I’ve got to continue to work,” Mims said.
Mims’ two cents
Mims shared his confidence in his performance in previous offseason team activities (OTA). He said he was certain that not only he could make it into the final cut but also play starter. However, if anything he cannot change, that would second-year coach Robert Saleh’s decision.
“I feel like I already pretty much [proved it], from OTAs until now. I mean, they’re pretty set on who they want,” he added.
“I feel like, yeah, I feel like [the coaches] have made their mind up, honestly. But I feel like I can change their mind on that. I feel like I’ve been doing that. Their minds are pretty made up, though.”
Meanwhile, Saleh claimed that the Texan was trailing behind other WRs on the team, such as Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, and rookie Garrett Wilson.
But for Mims, he remained adamant that he deserved the starting job.
“That’s tough, not being out there with the 1s and being able to show it. I feel like I deserve to be with the 1s,” he said.
Previously, there were rumors that Mims would be released by the team. These grew more prominent when Mims’ agent released a statement almost a week ago, saying the player was eager to be traded.
Knowing this, Mims reportedly “reached a boiling point,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported, and he went on to record seven receptions for 102 yards and a single touchdown when the team played fellow NY rival the Giants.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas bashed these rumors, saying that offers given to the team for Mims was not “the right value for a player of his talent and ability.” Besides, it was never even a consideration to waive the 24-year-old, Douglas said, and he was aware of Mims wanting to play starter.
“I wouldn’t say he wants to be somewhere else; he wants to play. He wants to start. Denzel is very confident. He has voiced that, that he wants to be a starter. Ultimately, you want a team full of guys that feel like they should be the No. 1 guy,” Douglas said.
The Jets went from an 80-manned team to having only 53 this week. Saleh said that parting ways with the 27 players were “the worst part” of his job.
“…absolutely miserable because you’re going to have to say goodbye to someone you’ve been with since OTAs, some guys you’ve been with since last year. This is the worst part of the job and the worst part of the game, but it’s one of those necessary evils,” Saleh said.