Potential landing spots for Jets WR Mecole Hardman

But with the four-time MVP sidelined for the year with a torn Achilles, Hardman has seen more bench than field this season. If the Jets do indeed trade him, here are some teams who could be interested:

1. Minnesota Vikings

With star WR Justin Jefferson missing the next four games while on injured reserve, the Vikings will need someone to make up for his lost production. While that’s no easy task considering Jefferson ranks third in the league in receiving yards (571), fourth in targets (53) and sixth in receptions (36), Minnesota might have to go outside the organization.

Hardman had 530 receiving yards or more in his first three seasons, and with a team that throws as much as the Vikings do, this could be the best fit for him. Hardman is not on Jefferson’s level, but he is a quick, explosive receiver who can stretch the defense. He would be a solid addition next to Jordan Addison and K.J. Osborn.

2. Carolina Panthers

Any receiver believed to be on the trade block is seemingly automatically linked to the Panthers, and for good reason. The organization needs to do more to help out Bryce Young, who’s averaging just 187.5 yards passing per game.

Adam Thielen is doing a solid job as the team’s top target, but behind him, the Panthers aren’t getting much from Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jonathan Mingo. Hardman is by no means a No. 1 wideout, but he could be a strong complement to Thielen and give Young a more reliable No. 2 option than what he currently has.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Aside from tight end Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes has no reliable weapons he can count on. Rookie Rashee Rice is doing an admirable job as the team’s second-leading pass catcher, but he’s still green. The Kadarius Toney experiment is failing miserably, and outside from a spectacular catch or two, Justin Watson appears to be a one-trick pony.

Mahomes and Hardman had a good rapport and connected for 16 touchdowns over four years. Hardman averaged nearly 14 yards per reception while catching passes from Mahomes, and a reunion might be best for all involved.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

It appears Tee Higgins might be closer to returning than originally thought, but healing from fractured ribs doesn’t just happen in two weeks’ time. Even if he returns this week, he will most likely be limited in what he can do. Tyler Boyd is a solid No. 2 option for Joe Burrow behind Ja’Marr Chase, and adding Hardman might be a smart play for Cincy and allow Higgins to take his time with his recovery.

Hardman can take the top off the defense and give the Bengals a solid group 1-3 at receiver with Higgins out. And once the star WR comes back, then the Bengals are four deep at receiver and all the more dangerous for the stretch run.

5. Green Bay Packers

Aside from one 77-yard reception for Christian Watson, the Packers mustered just 104 passing yards in Monday’s 17-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Quarterback Jordan Love has shown flashes, but he’s still learning how to be a starting QB.

Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed have all been fine through five games, but none have really been overly impressive and they’re all in their first or second year. Adding Hardman would bring a veteran presence to an inexperience Packers WR room and give Love a reliable target while Watson and Doubs figure things out.