Sources – Jets trade WR Mecole Hardman Jr. back to Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr., a part of two Super Bowl-winning teams with the Chiefs, will be rejoining Kansas City following a trade from the New York Jets, according to sources close to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

In exchange for Hardman, the Chiefs will be sending a 2025 sixth-round draft pick to the Jets, along with acquiring a 2025 seventh-round pick, as reported by the same sources.

Throughout the current season, the Chiefs have faced challenges with their wide receiver performance. Despite being a rookie, second-round draft pick Rashee Rice leads the team in catches, receptions, and yards among wide receivers.

The Chiefs’ hopes for veteran wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, and Skyy Moore have not been met, resulting in a combined total of 35 catches, 353 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

Originally drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Hardman achieved his most productive season as a rookie, scoring seven touchdowns, including one on a kickoff return, with an impressive per-catch average of 20.7 yards.

In 2021, Hardman reached career bests with 59 catches and 693 yards. However, injuries caused his production to decline last season, as he missed eight games.

During the offseason, the Jets signed Hardman to a one-year, $4 million contract. Unfortunately, he has seen limited involvement on offense, playing only 28 snaps and recording just one reception in five games.

Despite his lack of opportunities, Hardman has refrained from public complaints. However, in a recent interview with ESPN, he expressed frustration by stating, “I’m probably the best in the league in space… Maybe [the coaches] see something different.”

In the same interview, Hardman questioned why he wasn’t being utilized in screen plays and gadget-type runs.

Hardman’s position on the depth chart was surpassed by rookie Xavier Gipson, who secured the fourth wide receiver spot. Additionally, Gipson won the punt-returning role during training camp, leading to the decision to make Hardman a healthy scratch in Week 5. Irv Charles, known for his skills on special teams, was chosen as the fifth receiver against the Denver Broncos that week.

Reporting by ESPN’s Rich Cimini has also contributed to this report.