Sources: Jets trade WR Hardman back to Chiefs

Wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr., a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams with the Chiefs, is heading back to Kansas City via a trade from the New York Jets, sources told ESPN’S Adam Schefter on Wednesday.

The Chiefs are sending a 2025 sixthround draft pick to the Jets for Hardman and a 2025 seventh-round pick, the sources said.

The Chiefs have mostly struggled with their wide receiver play this season. Their leader at the position in catches, receptions and yards is a rookie, second-round draft pick Rashee Rice.

Veteran wide receivers Marquez Valdes-scantling, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore haven’t produced as the Chiefs hoped. The three have combined for 35 catches, 353 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Hardman was the Chiefs’ secondround draft pick in 2019. He had his most productive season as a rookie, when he scored seven touchdowns, including one on a kickoff return, and had a per-catch average of 20.7 yards.