New York Jets Trade Mecole Hardman Back to the Kansas City Chiefs for Late-Round Draft Picks
Published: 05:01 BST, 19 October 2023 | Updated: 05:15 BST, 19 October 2023
The New York Jets have made a trade, sending wide receiver Mecole Hardman back to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. As part of the deal, the Jets will also give the Chiefs a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Hardman, who previously won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, joined the Jets in free agency this offseason on a one-year $4 million contract. However, the 25-year-old never seemed to find his footing with the Jets coaching staff and was eventually surpassed on the depth chart by undrafted rookie and breakout star Xavier Gipson.
During his short time with the Jets, Hardman only managed to play 28 snaps and had just one reception. Despite being fully healthy, he was listed as inactive during the Week 5 win over the Denver Broncos.
Hardman was originally selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 draft and quickly made an impact as a return specialist, earning a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. Throughout his four seasons with the Chiefs, he became an integral part of their offense, recording 151 catches for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns.
In 2021, Hardman had his best statistical season, with career highs of 59 receptions for 693 yards. However, his most productive season in terms of touchdowns came in 2019, when he scored six.
Despite his potential and previous success, Hardman expressed frustration with his lack of usage in an interview, claiming he was one of the best playmakers in the league. He also admitted he was open to leaving the team if it meant more playing time.
With Hardman’s return, the Kansas City Chiefs hope to bolster their struggling receiving corps. Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is their highest-paid receiver, has failed to make a substantial impact, and the team lost Justin Watson to a short-term injury. Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney have also not met expectations in their development. Rookie second-round pick Rashee Rice has been the team’s most productive wide receiver so far, with 21 catches, 245 yards, and two touchdowns.
It remains to be seen how Hardman will perform upon his return to the Chiefs, but the team is likely to welcome him back with open arms after their receiving group’s lackluster performances in his absence.
Source: DailyMail.com
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