When the New York Jets signed wide receiver Mecole Hardman this offseason, many expected that he would be an integral piece of the New York Jets passing offense this season. It hasn’t exactly turned out that way, and it sounds like his days in New York may be limited.
According to a report from NFL insider Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the New York Jets are “looking at options” regarding wide receiver Mecole Hardman, and those options include potentially trading the wide receiver.
“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 time,” Fowler wrote in a post on X, the social media website that is formerly known as Twitter.
It would certainly be a pretty big and important move as the team continues to try to find its identity on offense after losing Aaron Rodgers for the season, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on social media as a result.
I didn't think he looked particularly sharp in the one(!) joint practice at Wofford, but he has speed to clear out defensive clutter in the passing game in theory.
If you could get him for a late-round pick or player swap, might make sense. https://t.co/jj9CSEDhSB
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) October 10, 2023
Trade Nijman to the Jets for Hardman. The Packers apparently have no use for Nijman and Hardman would, at the very least, add some speed to an offense that needs more speed. https://t.co/TJxkXzXB5T
— Michael Rodney (@PackersNotes) October 10, 2023
Hardman has been underwhelming every year in the league. But I’d still take him over Quez Watkins at this point https://t.co/GipyeaavTa
— Lee (@Nelson81_) October 10, 2023
Spoke to Hardman last week and he clearly believes he’s not being used properly. That sometimes happens when a new staff comes in with a new system, but the Jets’ new offensive staff was in place when Hardman signed in March. He was one of “their guys” — supposedly. Puzzling. https://t.co/Ua9OC64vch
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 10, 2023
#Chargers should absolutely be inquiring about Hardman. Mentioned him as a good fit during the offseason as he’s still only 25 years old. Would be an ideal move, depending on capital.
Adds another game-breaking speed threat (4.33 40-time) for Justin Herbert and Kellen Moore. https://t.co/Fv496k2Riq
— Dan W. (@DanWSports) October 10, 2023
Didn’t they just go through this with Elijah Moore?! https://t.co/hzFpsXktVa
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) October 10, 2023
We’ll have to see whether or not the Jets do elect to trade the veteran receiver.
