NFL veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman has signed a contract with the New York Jets. Hardman, a former Pro Bowl return specialist spent the 2022 season with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Source: Mecole Hardman has agreed to terms with the #Jets on a one-year deal. More speed for Cleveland’s offense. pic.twitter.com/yNw9If2Wc7
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 22, 2023
Mecole Hardman, New York Jets, Agree to Contract
Now, Mecole Hardman will receive a Super Bowl LVII championship ring. However, Hardman was not on the field for the game. After missing nine games and the Divisional Round with an abdominal muscle strain, Hardman missed the big game despite returning for the AFC Conference Championship. His speed and deep-threat ability is game-changing, although, his inconsistent play has plagued him in the past. Nevertheless, prior to his initial injury, Hardman played a big role in replacing Tyreek Hill, with a receiving touchdown in three straight games from Week 6-8. In 2023, Hardman will turn 25 years old, looking to pick up where he left off… with a potential breakout campaign.
With the Chiefs in 2022, Hardman’s injury led to career-low numbers. His 25 receptions for 297 yards and four receiving touchdowns, combined with four carries for 31 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns displayed his upside nonetheless. In 57 career games (26 starts) for Kansas City, Hardman saw 171 touches for 2,213 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns. If one were to include his kick return (2019) and punt return (2020) touchdowns, his playmaking capabilities are clear. It simply comes down to scheming the ball to him and Hardman’s continued development.
As the 56th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, there was a lot of hype around Hardman. A 5’10” and 187-pound receiver from Georgia, Hardman owned the pre-draft process. His scouting combine performance, featuring a 4.33 40-yard-dash-time, saw him skyrocket up the draft board. In the end, Hardman could wind up being the steal of free agency if healthy and utilized correctly.
Main Photo: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
