(610 Sports) – The New York Jets continue to retool their wide receiving corps in anticipation of a trade for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Following the recent signing of former Packers' wide receiver Allen Lazard, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports the team is now signing former Chiefs' speedster Mecole Hardman.
Thought to be in line for a nice multi-year contract, Hardman looks to have settled for a one-year deal that tops out at $6.5 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Hardman, a former second-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft, was once considered the heir apparent to former Chief and current Dolphin's receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill was embroiled in his second off-field scandal when Hardman was drafted, leading to the speculation that he could be facing a major suspension from the league. Hardman and Hill subsequently spent three seasons playing together in Kansas City.
During his time in Kansas City, Hardman put together three 500-plus-yard receiving seasons but proved to be inconsistent as a receiving threat. The Chiefs also featured the speedy Hardman in the return game and used him in multiple gadget plays in order to get the most out of his big-play potential.
The Chiefs have seen both JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman leave in free-agency this offseason, opening the door for Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore to get more touches in the Chiefs' passing game. The team is said to still be interested in free-agent Odell Beckham Jr. and could make a trade for an impact receiver ahead of next month's NFL Draft that will be held in Kansas City.