NEW YORK — The New York Jets are trading seldom-used wide receiver Mecole Hardman back to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was part of two Super Bowl-winning teams, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
According to an anonymous source who spoke to the AP, the Jets will be sending a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft to the Chiefs. In return, they will receive a sixth-rounder in the same year. The trade has not been officially announced by the teams, but it was first reported by ESPN.
In the 2019 draft, the Chiefs handpicked Hardman, who was 25 at the time, during the second round. His exceptional skills as a return specialist led him to secure a spot in the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Over time, Hardman seamlessly integrated into the Kansas City offense, capitalizing on the talent of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Throughout his four seasons with the Chiefs, he accumulated impressive numbers, amassing 151 receptions for 2,088 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns.
Last offseason, he transitioned into a free agent and secured a $4 million agreement with the Jets, as they held high hopes for his ability to bring speed and versatility to their offense. The contract encompassed a signing bonus of $2.5 million and guaranteed earnings of $3.6 million.
Hardman had a quiet training camp, and undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson eventually surpassed him on the depth chart as a returner and wide receiver. Gipson had the winning punt return in overtime in New York’s season-opening win over Buffalo and has become more involved in the offense, including running the ball out of the backfield on reverses and end-arounds.
In the meantime, Hardman’s offensive involvement was limited to just 28 snaps, where he managed only a 6-yard catch. Additionally, he participated in two special teams snaps. However, during Week 5 in Denver, Hardman was deemed inactive despite being in good health. The Jets opted to promote wide receiver Irvin Charles from the practice squad due to his exceptional skills in special teams.
Last week, Hardman admitted that his limited playing time has been mentally challenging at times. However, he emphasized his determination to make a positive impact in any way possible.
He remarked, “At present, I suppose there might be superior choices available, or perhaps they simply haven’t contacted me.”
In recent weeks, there has been a growing buzz of trade rumors surrounding Hardman.
“I simply desire to play,” remarked Hardman. “Whether it’s in this place or elsewhere, that decision is not mine to make.”
Hardman responded to the question about welcoming a trade by saying, “I suppose it would depend on whether it benefits both parties involved. I can’t say for sure since I’ve never experienced this situation before.”
Given his experience with the Chiefs and their lack of depth at wide receiver, Kansas City was a perfect match for him.
Hardman and veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster were permitted to explore other options in free agency, with the team trusting in the potential of their young and inexperienced wide receiver corps to fill the void. However, despite the emergence of rookie Rashee Rice as a playmaker, the Chiefs have seen limited contributions from sophomore Skyy Moore and injury-prone Kadarius Toney.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the wide receiver who earns a higher salary than all his fellow receivers combined, has not been able to make a significant contribution. Additionally, the Chiefs have temporarily lost Justin Watson due to an elbow injury sustained against Denver last week.
Watson’s absence from Wednesday’s practice suggests that he is unlikely to participate in Sunday’s game against the Chargers.
The Chiefs have won five straight heading into their AFC West matchup with Los Angeles, while the Jets handed the Eagles their first loss last week and are carrying back-to-back wins into their off week.
Hardman’s presence will provide much-needed support to a Chiefs offense that lacks playmakers alongside Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
During his tenure in Kansas City spanning four seasons, Hardman accumulated a total of 125 yards and two touchdowns from 20 rushing attempts. Additionally, he consistently fulfilled the role of the Chiefs’ main returner, managing to secure a touchdown through both a kickoff return and a punt.
During the previous year, Hardman accomplished a remarkable feat in the Super Bowl era as he became the first wide receiver to score on two runs and secure a touchdown catch in a single game. Unfortunately, his season was marred by a series of games missed due to an abdominal injury. Although he managed to make a comeback for the AFC championship game, he suffered another injury and was unable to participate in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl triumph against Philadelphia.
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