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The New York Jets have signed former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman, one of the fastest receivers in the league. According to NFLN Reporter Ian Rapoport, the deal is for 1-year and is worth up to $6.5 million.
Hardman is joining a Jets receiver room that already boasts young talent in the form of Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore, as well as veteran Corey Davis. However, Davis is likely to be traded or released in the near future, as the Jets can save $10.5 million by cutting him and will only have to pay less than a million dollars in dead cap from his deal. Hardman’s arrival makes Davis’ departure almost certain.
Hardman’s speed is sure to be a major asset for the Jets’ offense and special teams. The former Georgia Bulldog has been clocked at running the 40-yard dash in just 4.33 seconds, making him one of the fastest players in the league. He will likely provide a spark both as a receiver and a return man, having scored a touchdown off a kickoff return and a punt return during his time in Kansas City.
The addition of Hardman to the Jets’ roster is seen as a bold move by the team’s management, who are reportedly still pursuing a trade for Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If Hardman can establish himself as the team’s WR3, he could provide sporadic boom games for fantasy football managers in 2023.
Hardman caught 151 career passes for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns during his time with the Chiefs, where he was a part of the team’s offense. His speed and explosiveness made him a valuable target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and he was once regarded as potentially one of the league’s rising stars.
The Jets, who finished the 2022 season with a 7-10 record, are hoping that the addition of Hardman and other talented players will help turn the team’s fortunes around in 2023. The signing of the speedy receiver is seen as a sign of the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster, and fans are eagerly anticipating seeing Hardman in action in a Jets uniform.