The Kansas City Chiefs are returning a familiar face ahead of Week 7 with the acquisition of wide receiver Mecole Hardman.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, The Chiefs are trading a future late-round draft pick to the New York Jets for Hardman. Chiefs are sending their 2025 sixth-round pick to New York for their 2025 seventh-round selection as part of the complete transaction.
Hardman fell out of favor with the Jets early this season following the injury to Aaron Rodgers. He has only one catch for six yards during his tenure in New York and was recently inactive in their victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. In the offseason, Hardman signed with the Jets to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million guaranteed and up to $5.5M in incentives.
Comp update: The Jets are sending WR Mecole Hardman and a 2025 7th to the Chiefs for a 2025 6th, per source. https://t.co/z248dNy5HN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2023
The veteran will likely be expected to fill the hole left by Justin Watson’s recent injury, keeping him out of action for multiple weeks. He has a solid grasp of the offensive playbook and can be a weapon on special teams if necessary.
During his first tenure with the Chiefs, Hardman appeared in 57 regular-season games, caught 151 passes for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns, and 20 carries for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He had 62 punt returns on special teams for 555 yards and a touchdown. He also returned 39 kickoffs for 927 yards and a score.
