The Jacksonville Jaguars are continuing to make moves late in the offseason. They recently signed franchise QB Trevor Lawrence to a massive $275 million contract extension. Now, the Jaguars are adding some veteran wide receiver depth before training camp.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reports that Jacksonville is signing former Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims. He was with the Pittsburgh Steelers but was released last week. Now he will compete for a roster spot with the Jaguars.
Denzel Mims has failed to live up to expectations in the NFL. The Jets selected Mims in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Mims is 6'3″ and 207lbs, giving him ideal NFL size which the Jets hoped would translate to the pro game. However, he only managed 42 receptions for 676 receiving yards in three season with the Jets.
Mims bounced around to a handful of teams after New York, eventually landing on the Steelers' practice squad.
Now, Mims will join a loaded wide receiver room in Jacksonville. The Jaguars will start Christian Kirk, free agent signing Gabe Davis, and first-round draft pick Brian Thomas Jr. at receiver in 2024. However, there is room to compete beyond the three starters.
Parker Washington and Devin Duvernay are the two biggest names competing for backup spots in Jacksonville. There is no guarantee that Mims will stick with the Jaguars, but it may be his best shot to make a roster at this point in his NFL career.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers have no announced a corresponding move after releasing Mims.
Previewing the 2024 NFL season for the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars suddenly find themselves in a highly competitive AFC South. Just a few years ago the Jaguars were the division leaders, now they have to keep pace with an ascending Houston Texans. They also can't afford to sleep on the rising Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts.
Jacksonville fans might feel better about the team if they hadn't crumbled down the stretch in 2023. The Jaguars started off 8-3 but lost five of their last six games and couldn't make the postseason. Jacksonville isn't that far away from being a contender in the AFC, and some of their offseason moves could help them make waves in 2024.
The Jaguars brought in a handful of solid player in free agency who should help them right away. Gabe Davis and Mitch Morse will step in as instant starters on offense. Meanwhile, Arik Armstead, Darnell Savage, and Ronald Darby will all play significant snaps for Jacksonville on defense.
While Jacksonville mostly added depth in the 2024 NFL Draft, bringing in Brian Thomas Jr. could seriously supercharge the Jaguars offense. His deep threat ability pairs nicely with Christian Kirk, Travis Etienne, and Evan Engram who can do damage in the short and intermediate levels of the field.
The most challenging factor for the Jaguars next year could be their tough schedule. They play every team in the NFC North and face some strong intraconference matchups against the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns. A Week 4 contest against the Houston Texans could have major AFC South implications as well.
If the Jaguars want to become contenders in 2024, they will need to get off to a hot start and get some early wins.
We can't wait to watch the Jaguars compete for an AFC South title later this fall.
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