Lions Cut Former Patriots' WR Trade Target

Do the New England Patriots have enough at receiver to rebound from a disastrous performance offensively last season?

That has been the question since they went through free agency and the NFL Draft without making a "splash" signing, trade, or draft pick. Yet, that isn't to say that the additions of JuJu Smith-Schuster and tight end Mike Gesicki weren't good, as they are a welcome sight for fans who felt the need for more pass-catchers has been overlooked.

While the end of preseason is commonly associated with teams trimming their roster to the 53-man limit, it also provides time for front offices to make more moves before kicking off the season. For the Patriots, offensive line help could be on the list of things to look around for, while receiver may be another interesting option to explore, especially after the Detroit Lions on Saturday cut Denzel Mims.

Mims, 25, was reportedly on the Patriots' radar earlier this offseason when the New York Jets were looking to trade him, which ultimately helped him end up with the Lions. Yet, even after the Lions traded for him, they waived him on Thursday with an injury settlement, according to Ian Rapoport.

The decision to cut Mims was despite him impressing throughout training camp for the Lions. After suffering an ankle injury during practice, which sidelined him, Mims would proceed to suffer a calf injury during rehab, which led to him being released.

While the signing of Mims wouldn't be the blockbuster signing that many wanted to happen with DeAndre Hopkins; Mims would add another veteran receiver to the Patriots' depth chart, who, despite not living up to his second-round selection so far, has shown flashes.

Denzel Mims will be active for the 1st time this season on Sunday

Here are highlights from his rookie season: #Jets pic.twitter.com/1joWpcbSDX
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) October 21, 2022

However, as things currently stand, it is tough to envision the Patriots signing the 25-year-old to the 53-man roster as they are already being presented with the tough decision of what to do with rookie standout Kayshon Boutte.

Historically, the Patriots have usually kept five receivers on the roster, but adding the rookie from LSU likely makes it six heading into Week 1, which makes it tough to see Mims signing with New England for anything other than as a practice squad member for now.

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