The Kansas City Chiefs orchestrated a significant trade, bringing Mecole Hardman back into their fold, reuniting him with familiar faces in Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.
This move was a ray of hope for the Chiefs’ struggling wide receiver corps, even though Hardman’s stint with the New York Jets left much to be desired.
On a recent Monday, Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh shed light on the factors that prompted the Hardman trade, with a particular nod to Xavier Gipson’s performance playing a significant role in the decision. Hardman, however, responded with a cryptic message aimed at Gipson.
Mecole Hardman’s time with the Jets was both brief and uneventful, compounded by the unfortunate impact of injuries on his playing time.
His tenure in New York amounted to a mere three targets and a solitary six-yard catch.
In a swift return to the Chiefs’ lineup, Hardman found himself targeted three times, mirroring his entire season’s production in just one game with Kansas City.
With time, it’s expected that Hardman will play a more prominent role in the Chiefs’ offensive scheme.
His familiarity with the system, despite offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s departure and Matt Nagy taking the reins, is certainly an advantage.
Of course, the added benefit of catching passes from Patrick Mahomes cannot be overlooked.
The Chiefs didn’t have to part with much to acquire Hardman, and the Jets promptly moved on from their offseason acquisition.
It appears that both sides are content with how the trade played out. However, it’s evident that Mecole Hardman harbors mixed feelings about his short-lived tenure with the New York Jets.