After trading for Jaylen Waddle earlier this offseason, the Denver Broncos may consider trading Marvin Mims before the 2026 season, even though the receiver wants to stay. It’s easy to see why Mims wants to stick around, as the Broncos were close to appearing in a Super Bowl last season before losing to the New England Patriots in a nail-biter in the AFC Championship Game. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, there’s doubt about what his future holds in this offense, especially when the receiver unit has a “packed house.” However, Mims explained his desire to stay with the Broncos:
“I don’t know what can happen,” Mims said when discussing his expiring contract to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. “We’ll see within the next year, but I know I want to enjoy being a Denver Bronco as long as I can. I’m not really thinking about what’s next. Mostly just having my feet in the moment.”
Selected as a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Oklahoma product flashed as a rookie, averaging 17.1 receiving yards. Mims followed that up, notching back-to-back Pro Bowls, including during the 2024 campaign. Unfortunately, he took a step back in the 2025 season, hauling just about 400 receiving yards, but he has been operating mainly as a return specialist.
Marvin Mims
Main Photo: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Broncos WR Marvin Mims Open to Extension, Could Fear Stunning Trade
It’s unclear what the future holds, but Mims should receive trade interest if the Broncos make him available. The Broncos, after acquiring Waddle, had Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin already on the roster. With four capable receivers on the roster, a trade seems to be sensible at this point for Mims since he’s being phased out of this receiving unit.
Possible Next Teams
Los Angeles Rams
After going through free agency and the NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams have not found a legitimate receiver. While they explored trading Davante Adams this offseason, the team decided against it. However, the Rams need a reliable slot receiver to help Adams and Puka Nacua in the aerial attack. Matthew Stafford is probably in his final year with the Rams, especially after drafting Ty Simpson with the No. 10 pick. This means time is ticking for this team to secure a championship in this regime before a rebuild happens.
Stafford and Adams are just about months away from retirement. The team sacrificed trading for Trent McDuffie and signed Jaylen Watson, so they should do the same for their receiver core. Marvin Mims won’t drastically improve the offense, but they need some type of pass-catcher to fill the slot.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, it’s fair to wonder what’s going to happen to Xavier Legette this upcoming season. After drafting Chris Brazzell this year, Legette’s future in Carolina is likely in Jeopardy. The Panthers drafted Tetairoa McMillan, who turned out to be spectacular, to no surprise, while Jalen Coker has been operating as a solid slot receiver. If Carolina trades Legette, it might make sense for the Panthers to roll the dice on Mims.
QB Bryce Young is entering a pivotal season this year. The Panthers have not committed to an extension, but picked up Young’s fifth-year option. It doesn’t mean an extension is coming, but the stakes are high. Mims won’t save this offense entirely, but he’s another nice set of hands that Young can rely on.
Atlanta Falcons
After letting Darnell Mooney hit the market, the offense has been going through a major makeover. QB Michael Penix Jr. will have competition with new teammate Tua Tagovailoa for the starting job. However, with the team signing Jahan Dotson and bringing back Olamide Zaccheaus, this is probably one of the weakest receiving units in a while. The team selected Zachariah Branch, who is showing promise, but Mims in this offense can help push the envelope to open up the aerial attack for Drake London.