Earlier this week, we heard the Jets were “exploring” their options with rarely-used wideout Mecole Hardman, including potential trades. ESPN’s Rich Cimini was more definitive about Hardman’s future in New York, stating during an appearance on the Flight Deck Podcast that the receiver was “going to be gone” (h/t Paul Andrew Esden Jr.).
[RELATED: Jets WR Mecole Hardman On Trade Block?]
Cimini adds that New York will ultimately “trade him or cut him,” but the organization intends to do Hardman a “solid” by sending him to a team that could offer a clear path to playing time. The reporter also noted that the receiver is “clearly disgruntled” and has done some complaining behind the scenes, so it may be in the Jets’ best interest to resolve this in a timely manner.
Hardman recently spoke about his situation to reporters, telling them that he simply wants to play, whether for the Jets or another organization (via Cimini). The receiver also revealed that he hasn’t requested a trade. Meanwhile, Robert Saleh said the team will continue to find ways to utilize Hardman until he hears otherwise.
“He’s here, he’s working, competing, and until someone upstairs says otherwise, we we’re going to do our best to try to find ways to get him involved,” the head coach told reporters (via Cimini).
Hardman joined the Jets this offseason following a four-year stint with the Chiefs. The free agent was one of several receivers to join the new-look offense, but thanks in part to Aaron Rodgers‘ season-ending injury, Hardman has seen a lesser role than expected. The 25-year-old has hauled in a single catch and has been limited to 22 offensive snaps, and he also hasn’t been used in the return game, an area where he’s previously excelled. The Jets added Irvin Charles to the active roster earlier this week, giving the team seven wide receivers.
We haven’t heard of any definitive suitors for Hardman, but plenty of teams should have interest. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes that the Raiders, Lions, Vikings, and Browns were among the teams that expressed interest in Hardman during the offseason, and the reporter notes that a reunion with the Chiefs could also be an option.
Article says the Chiefs will “trade him or cut him”. Needs an edit.
Ummmm…..what happened to this guy? He was serviceable last year in KC prior to injury, and in previous years he played a noticable role.
Having Pat Mahomes and Andy Reid… to not having those two guys.
Send him to Patriots. They have nobody and he’ll be used immediately. Or play a supporting role behind Thielen in Carolina
Bears could use a guy like him once we trade Mooney to Carolina or the Patriots, think Hardman and Fields were at Georgia together
Fields went to Ohio State
He went to Georgia before Ohio State
I would like to shift focus to maybe the job the GM did in the draft. Irving is new. He’s impressed so much they need him on special teams. Gibson – Hatd Knocks chronicled his journey to making team – and he was the hero beating BUF on punt return. This is more a numbers issue they didn’t foresee, but before anyone gets lippy and blames GM for that….it’s a problem created from finding too much talent. I would still like to see his speed mined for something