Steelers Should Claim Lions WR
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have their big four wide receivers this season, but the future isn't certain - and an option has presented itself to help build the offense next year.
After an ankle injury turned into a calf issue in rehab, the Detroit Lions decided to move on from newly-acquired receiver Denzel Mims, waiving/injured him, ending his 2023 season.
Mims arrived in Detriot this summer via trade from the New York Jets. The former second-round pick was entering his fourth season and was reportedly thriving in his new offense. Following the injury, the Lions will hope he's able to land on the Injured Reserve list before another team claims him.
That team could/probably should be the Steelers.
For those who remember, the Steelers were reportedly interested in Mims when the Jets made him available in a trade. New York's backup plan, if no team made a trade offer, was to release him. If they did, the Steelers would reportedly make a move.
Now, they're able to.
The Steelers have 24 hours to claim Mims off waivers and add him to their team under his current contract. This season, being the last of his rookie deal, Mims holds a cap hit of $1.3 million. Pittsburgh's current cap sits them at roughly $7.4 million, according to Spotrac.
As for why the Steelers should claim Mims, it's simple - to give themselves time to prepare for next season - and possibly add a missing piece this season.
Right now, it's somewhat expected that Allen Robinson's $17.6 million cap hit in 2024 will be too high to keep him. If they aren't able to re-work a deal following his release, Mims offers a backup plan as the team's fourth wide receiver. Meanwhile, Calvin Austin will move into the starting slot role.
If Pittsburgh was interested in Mims this season, why wouldn't they take the secure route and allow themselves the time to make decisions? If Mims is in the building, he can negotiate next year's deal, and is typically more likely to accept a Futures/Reserve contract with the team he's currently on.
At the same time, we're uncertain how serious Mims' calf injury is. He attempted to return to practice after his ankle ailment but was unable to finish. If the new injury isn't season-ending, Mims could return this year, and it wouldn't be difficult to keep him on the roster.
The Steelers have three options at the end of their wide receiver depth chart; Myles Boykin, Dez Fitzpatrick and Cody White. It's still unknown who holds the upper hand for the final spot, but it doesn't feel like anyone is head and shoulders the best option.
Sneaking all three through waivers during roster cuts doesn't feel impossible, and actually seems rather likely. From there, you place Mims on short-term IR and elevate your practice squad receiver to the active roster.
At this point in the summer, the Steelers know who they have on their team. If Mims excites them, there's cause for a move to made. And if Pittsburgh makes the decision to add the 25-year-old, they won't be taking on much risk to do so.
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