Title: Mecole Hardman Returns to Chiefs in Trade with New York Jets, Pat McAfee Applauds the Move
Date: October 18, 2023
Kansas City, MO – Wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr., who previously won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, is set to make his return to Kansas City. According to sources, the Chiefs have acquired Hardman via a trade with the New York Jets. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news on Wednesday, revealing that the Chiefs will be sending a 2025 sixth-round draft pick to the Jets in exchange for Hardman and a 2025 seventh-round pick.
The Chiefs’ wide receiver corps has faced challenges this season, struggling to find consistent performance. Their leading receiver in terms of catches, receptions, and yards is rookie Rashee Rice, a second-round draft pick. The veteran wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, and Skyy Moore have failed to live up to expectations, combining for just 35 catches, 353 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
Hardman, selected by the Chiefs as a second-round draft pick in 2019, had an impressive rookie season, scoring seven touchdowns, including one on a kickoff return, and averaging 20.7 yards per catch. In 2021, he recorded career highs of 59 catches and 693 receiving yards. However, his production declined last season due to injuries, causing him to miss eight games.
After signing a one-year, $4 million contract with the Jets during the offseason, Hardman saw limited action, playing only 28 offensive snaps and registering just one reception in five games. Although he refrained from publicly expressing his frustration, Hardman recently voiced his disappointment with his lack of involvement in an interview with ESPN.
“I believe I am one of the best in the league in space,” Hardman said. “Maybe the coaches see something different.”
Hardman’s place on the depth chart was taken by rookie Xavier Gipson, who secured the fourth wide receiver position and also won the punt-returning job during training camp. Hardman was even a healthy scratch in Week 5, with Irv Charles taking his spot as the fifth receiver against the Denver Broncos due to his special teams capabilities.
Sports analyst Pat McAfee has high hopes for Hardman’s return to the Chiefs, expecting him to thrive in their offensive system. McAfee’s support arrives at a crucial time for Hardman, who faced a lack of opportunities with the Jets despite a significant contract. The trade allows him to reunite with a familiar team where he experienced early success in his career.
The Chiefs hope that Hardman’s return will provide a boost to their receiving corps and contribute to their Super Bowl aspirations. With his explosive speed and big-play ability, he has the potential to add a new dimension to the Chiefs’ offense.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini also contributed to this report.