The New York Jets are already looking to move on from wide receiver Mecole Hardman after having signed him as a free agent this past spring.
According to a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, New York is weighing all of its options, including shopping a potential trade ahead of the deadline later this month.
The #Jets are looking at options for Mecole Hardman, including a potential trade, per league sources.
Hardman was inactive Sunday and has not been in the plans despite signing a one-year, $4M free agency deal with upside to $5.5M. Jets can find him a new home and more playing? pic.twitter.com/zHphIuhPP3
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 10, 2023
Hardman has been buried on the Jets' depth chart behind the likes of Garrett Wilson (24 catches for 279 yards with two touchdowns), Allen Lazard (13 catches for 202 yards with one touchdown) and Randall Cobb (three catches for 20 yards) through the team's first five games.
The former Kansas City Chief, who signed a $4 million deal this offseason, has been held to just one catch for six yards. He has only been active for one game, against the Dallas Cowboys, back in Week 2.
Where Might Mecole Hardman Fit?
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Wide receiver could be an active position at the trade deadline, as teams with designs to improve their competitive edge look to add depth at the position or replace injured stars.
One NFC pro personnel director believes that Hardman could find a familiar landing spot.
"Watch out for Kansas City," the executive told FanBuzz on the condition of anonymity because he isn't authorized to speak publicly about Hardman.
The Chiefs would make a lot of sense, both as Kansas City's receiving corps has struggled mightily to find its footing through the season's first month, and because Hardman has scheme experience and chemistry with MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Through the first four seasons of his career with the Chiefs, Hardman pulled down 151 receptions for 2,088 yards with 16 touchdowns after being chosen in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
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Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers have reportedly been in the market for wide receiver help, especially to help hasten rookie quarterback Bryce Young's development, and Hardman would make a lot of sense as an affordable option.
Regardless, it would appear that Hardman has played his final game in a Jets uniform.
