Former Chiefs WR Hardman climbs aboard on 1-year deal

There have been rumors of the Jets being involved in the Odell Beckham Jr. sweepstakes.

But on Wednesday, Gang Green decided to add a different dynamic receiver.

The Jets have signed ex-Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman to a oneyear contract, according to a source. Hardman’s deal is for $6.5 million, ESPN is reporting.

Hardman played the first four seasons of his career with the Chiefs after they selected him in the second round of the 2019 draft. Although Hardman never quite lived up to his expectations coming out of Georgia, he is a versatile player who can stretch the field with his speed.

In four seasons in Kansas City, Hardman caught 151 passes for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns. His best individual season came in 2021, when he caught 59 passes for 693 yards and two TDs.

Hardman played in the slot in more than 52% of his snaps last season. He has the versatility to be a weapon as an outside option or as a third or fourth receiver for the Jets. In 2021,

Hardman finished second in the NFL among wide receivers in yards after catch (8.6).

The Jets are also getting a much-needed returner after they released Braxton Berrios earlier this month after four seasons. As a rookie, Hardman made the Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro selection as a returner. That year, the Georgia native averaged 26.1 yards per kickoff return with a touchdown. He also averaged 9.3 yards per punt return and helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV.

Hardman will also likely be used on jet sweeps, much like how the team utilized Berrios.

As the Jets continue to talk with the Packers about acquiring Aaron Rodgers, having a weapon like Hardman will only help an offense that finished 25th in yards (318.2) and 29th in points per game (17.4) during last season’s 7-10 campaign.

Hardman’s skill set should complement Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, who the Jets just signed last week, perfectly as defenders must pay attention to his ability to score on any play.

With the addition of Hardman, that likely means the Jets won’t sign Beckham.