CHIEF INTERESTS
Hardman says receivers Wilson and Lazard, not Rodgers, are reason he joined Jets
Last week, Aaron Rodgers said he intended to play for the Jets, assuming the Packers and Gang Green could work out a deal.
Because of Rodgers potentially playing for the Jets next season, several players may be interested in teaming with a four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl winner.
However, that didn’t factor into Mecole Hardman’s decision to sign with the Jets. Instead, Hardman says playing with Garrett Wilson and Allan Lazard was the main reason he signed with Jets.
“I think the Jets were a good situation,” Hardman said. “I think they have a great foundation here and they got some nice pieces.
“Allen Lazard him signing I think playing aside him and they have a great second-year player in Garrett Wilson, who had an absolute wonderful year. Guys with those names to play alongside them is attractive.
“Obviously, the news with A-Rod and everything, we still don’t know what’s going on with that as that’s something you can think about. Besides that, the Jets were the right fit for me.”
On Thursday morning, Hardman officially signed his one-year contract with the Jets. According to multiple reports, Hardman’s deal is for $6.5 million.
Hardman began his career with the Chiefs after he was selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Georgia. At the time, Hardman was compared to
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett as he displayed explosive route running with the ability to get past cornerbacks and safeties in the secondary.
Although he showed that during his four seasons in Kansas City, Hardman never met the expectations as many thought he could eventually be the Chiefs’ No. 1 down the line.
Hardman recorded 151 catches for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns in four seasons. 52% of Hardman’s snaps last season came as a slot receiver, as he will likely take over the role that both Elijah Moore and Braxton Berrios previously held. On Wednesday, Moore was traded to the Browns, while the Jets released Berrios at the start of the new league year.
He also was a weapon in the Chiefs return game as he 23.8 yards per kickoff return and nine yards per punt return as he was a second-team All-Pro returner as a rookie in 2019.
Hardman will join a Jets receiving corps with the current NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in Wilson and an emerging player in Lazard, who caught 60 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns in 2021. While Hardman got the reputation as a speed guy that ran a lot of Jet
Sweeps and gadget plays while with the Chiefs, he says there’s much more to his game.
“Definitely, the return game is something that I love to do and probably something that I will continue to do here if that’s the plan and if they want me to do that,” Hardman said.
“As far as receiver-wise, I just want to do what I can do to help the team win the game. Whether that’s doing Jet Sweeps, quick streams, or stretching the field. Whenever my number is called, I just want to go out there and do it the best way I can.”
“I think being in this offense and going forward, I think I can show a little bit more than just the quick game or the Jet Sweep and showing a little bit more of the route tree. Catching the ball in the middle of the field or some out-breaking routes or stuff like that just to show a little bit more of my game.”
After not missing a game during his first three seasons, injuries played a significant role in Hardman’s 2022 season. He played only eight games after being placed on injured reserve due to an abdomen injury.
Hardman was activated off of injured reserve last January and played in the AFC Championship against the Bengals. But Hardman aggravated his and was deactivated for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII victory over the Eagles.
Last month, Hardman had groin repair surgery as it was an issue he dealt with all last year dating back to training camp. The Jets will start their offseason program in about a month, as Hardman says he’s looking forward to returning to full strength in time for the 2023 season.
“Health-wise, probably a few weeks out, but definitely on the right track,” Hardman said.
“Probably ahead of schedule right now. The health is not going to be a factor coming into the spring.
“Hopefully, I will be fully healthy before OTAs start. So definitely, not one of my worries right now. So I definitely should be good.
“My expectation is to be out here and earn the respect of my teammates and my coaches and get this playbook down so I can start playing freely and show everybody what I can do.”
TY JOHNSON RETURNS
According to sources, the Jets and Ty Johnson are running it back for the 2023 season as the two sides have agreed to a one-year contract. Details of Johnson’s deal were not disclosed.
In 2020, the Jets claimed Johnson off of waivers from the Lions and he’s been on the team ever since. During his three seasons with the Jets, Johnson has primarily played special teams, but he has also contributed in the backfield as a runner.
During the last two seasons, Johnson has rushed for 398 yards and three touchdowns. He has also caught 46 receptions for 460 yards and two touchdowns.
Johnson will add more depth to a Jets running back room that consists of Breece Hall, who is coming off an ACL injury he suffered last season, Michael Carter and Zonovan “Bam” Knight.