Wide receiver Mecole Hardman Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Two-time Super Bowl champion WR reportedly inking free-agent deal with Jets

Originally posted on FanNation Jets Country
By Ralph Ventre | Last updated 3/22/23

The New York Jets are adding speed to their receiving corps through free agency.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, wide receiver Mecole Hardman has agreed to terms with Gang Green following four seasons in Kansas City.

Hardman, who was the No. 56 overall selection in the 2019 Draft, earned two Super Bowl rings while playing his entire rookie contract with the Chiefs.

After exceeding the 500-yard receiving mark in each of his first three NFL seasons, the 5-foot-10 Hardman saw his production dip due to injury in 2022.

The former second-round draft pick went on injured reserve after missing the Chiefs’ Week 10 win over Jacksonville and did not return to game action until the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 29.

Hardman made two receptions and carried the ball twice in Kansas City’s 23-20 victory over Cincinnati, but had to leave the field early after re-aggravating his injury. He was inactive for Super Bowl LVII.

Hardman entered the final year of his rookie contract off his most-productive pass-catching campaign yet. In 2021, he set career highs in receptions (59) and receiving yards (693).

In 57 career regular-season games with the Chiefs, Hardman made 151 receptions for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns. The former Georgia Bulldog has played in 10 playoff games, totaling 336 yards from scrimmage over four different postseasons.

Hardman impressed scouts by running the 40-yard dash in 4.33s at the 2019 NFL Combine.

He routinely displayed his explosiveness during his first season in Kansas City, piling up 1,426 all-purpose yards en-route to earning a Pro Bowl nod as a return specialist. Hardman averaged an eye-popping 20.7 yards reception and scored seven touchdowns in 2019.

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