The Kansas City Chiefs made a move for a familiar name on Wednesday, acquiring wide receiver – and former Chief – Mecole Hardman in a trade with the New York Jets.
Hardman – who signed with the Jets in March – appeared in five games for New York, logging 28 offensive snaps. It was only last year, however, that Hardman tallied 181 total yards and five touchdowns on 15 touches in his final three regular-season games with Kansas City before suffering an abdomen injury prior to Week 10.
Overall, the 25-year-old Hardman recorded 329 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns in eight games last year prior to the injury, which essentially ended his season. To his credit, it's worth pointing out that Hardman did manage to return for the AFC Championship Game, where he caught two passes for 10 yards.
The former second-round pick notched more than 500 yards from scrimmage and at least four touchdowns in each of his first two seasons with Kansas City before setting career-bests in receptions (59), receiving yards (693) and yards from scrimmage (739) in 2021.
Hardman is also an experienced return man, as he handled 39 kicks and 62 punts during his first stint in Kansas City, scoring two touchdowns.
It remains to be seen how quickly Hardman will see the field, but as far as in-season trades for wide receivers go, it's certainly a benefit that the former University of Georgia star knows his way around the Chiefs' offense.
