Robert Saleh is nonplussed by the public trade request made by Denzel Mims and said that the New York Jets are more than willing to move forward with the wide receiver on their roster.

ā€œI don’t think it’s a locker room distraction … it’s a business part of it,ā€ Saleh said Friday. ā€œHe’s one of our 53 best (players) … we’ve got to do what’s best for our organization and we have to find a way to make this work.ā€

Ron Slavin, Mims’ agent, released a statement Thursday stating, in part, that ā€œit’s just timeā€ for New York to trade the 2020 second-round pick because ā€œit’s clear he doesn’t have a future with the Jets.ā€

That was followed by reports that the Jets would be happy to deal the enigmatic Mims, who caught only eight passes in 11 games last season after falling out of favor quickly with a new coaching staff.

Reports surfaced Friday that the Carolina Panthers have a strong interest in acquiring Mims. Panthers coach Matt Rhule was head coach at Baylor from 2017-19 when Mims was a star receiver, including 66 receptions for 1,020 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior.

But Saleh refused to get into trade talk. Instead he focused on finding a way for Mims, who’s fifth or sixth on the depth chart, to be a contributor with the Jets.

ā€œIt’s not over,ā€ Saleh said. ā€œI’m not going to say it’s over with him. … It’s just a matter of him finding his niche.ā€

As he has since OTAs, Saleh praised Mims for the hard work he has put in and how he has improved since last season. But he also pointed out that it’s a tough road for Mims to receive more playing time with Corey Davis, Elijah Moore and Garrett Wilson firmly entrenched as the Jets’ top three receivers.

Live and breathe the NFL?

🚨 Get viral NFL graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter.

ā€œWhen you have a guy like Corey and Elijah and you draft Garrett Wilson, those guys are just going to get first dibs,ā€ Saleh explained. It’s not a knock on [Mims]. He’s just part of a really good room, and I think that’s where you see the frustration because he has the desire to do more.ā€

Mims stated earlier during Jets training camp that he believed he should be a starter. He is tied for the team lead with five catches in the preseason, including a 27-yarder Monday against the Atlanta Falcons. Yet he has seen very little run with the starters this summer.

Despite the trade request, Mims attended meetings Friday and took part in practice. Saleh said Mims will play in the final preseason game Sunday against the New York Giants.

ā€œHe’s approaching it like the professional he is,ā€ Saleh said.

Mims has received increased opportunities on special teams during camp and in preseason games. The results have been mixed, and Mims was flagged for a holding on a punt return Monday.

ā€œIs he where we want him to be from a special teams standpoint?ā€ Saleh asked. ā€œRight now he’s not. Has he got a lot better? Absolutely.ā€

But will he be on the 53-man roster for Week 1 as Saleh said he deserved to be? Or will Mims be wearing different colors on someone else’s roster?

Logic dictates the latter makes the most sense for all involved. But ultimately that’s up to Jets general manager Joe Douglas, and he’s not saying anything yet.