Mecole Hardman Jr. Heads Back To Chiefs In Trade With Jets

Image Source: Twitter Mecole Hardman Jr. returns to the Kansas City Chiefs, a two-time Super Bowl champion, in a trade with the New York Jets.

[{"selector":"#anim-c542c036-cd50-4978-9dc6-693a2d968ff0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-50bdddba-c4df-418b-8ff2-3f129ea72093","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cd10474b-5433-4af0-a45b-0776d3685250","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 154.49736%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Instagram The trade includes the Chiefs sending a 2025 sixth-round draft pick to the Jets for Hardman and a 2025 seventh-round pick.

[{"selector":"#anim-e26df75f-0823-4a08-8b86-78dc6f32af35 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-876e5563-05a3-4884-9bd7-580de9c6a6f2","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3a74cfb3-1979-41d5-907b-5f9b38660e3c","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 154.49736%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Instagram The Chiefs have faced wide receiver struggles this season, with a rookie, Rashee Rice, leading in receptions and yards.

[{"selector":"#anim-08bae426-cc26-4fca-8254-42327d130055 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f824d3f0-fd39-4c24-9a36-ad491abd3be3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c3123c26-1122-4eee-bcfb-df7c84b00cc2","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 154.49736%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, and Skyy Moore haven't met expectations, totaling 35 catches, 353 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

[{"selector":"#anim-23cea97b-c384-4e04-826c-42ed335f362f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0447ea3d-d5ac-46f0-892d-ea1f1d690f05","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f24f282a-0b85-450c-b3cc-9baff11bb74d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 169.78320%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter Hardman, a second-round draft pick in 2019, had his best season in 2021 with 59 catches and 693 yards.

[{"selector":"#anim-83ef1599-a8e9-4973-9686-0d375f5ff5a0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-69f478e5-4079-4c61-97dd-5779872e60be","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4124f806-5863-4e77-a59d-f480cd19e344","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 169.78320%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter In 2022, injuries significantly reduced his playtime, causing him to miss eight games.

[{"selector":"#anim-dc90c913-6eb1-477d-a378-3ebc3e0a7116 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-661afbd2-03dc-4487-957e-d58517c48745","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-98d635d4-a349-4c65-a14d-4cbe84efe5e1","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 169.78320%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter Despite minimal playing time with the Jets, Hardman refrained from public complaints but expressed frustration.

[{"selector":"#anim-49acd516-89f7-41ae-a382-32127b531e5f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b1100390-35a7-41c9-a5ee-1f5f67c59399","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-075fa8fb-3a7d-45b0-ac99-9d3ecf402a32","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 154.49736%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter He often felt underused, especially in screen and gadget plays, which left him wanting more opportunities to showcase his skills.

[{"selector":"#anim-a40ebe13-4b6e-4bc0-b375-a9ab4ccb55b8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5077b04a-136b-472f-a3af-57bd85824045","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a02b2f09-7fd9-48e7-9bef-c8ae80d8e827","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 169.78320%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter The rookie, Xavier Gipson, surpassed Hardman on the depth chart, indicating a shift in their roles.

[{"selector":"#anim-1acb3aa5-3b73-4855-9112-50fc987aa995 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8caf4853-cb0b-4f27-b361-039ce084618b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3ed9a6ea-f120-4135-8ee3-68de412ee42d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 169.78320%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter Gipson also secured the punt-returning role, making Hardman a healthy scratch in Week 5.

[{"selector":"#anim-2335cc77-c020-41e7-9d3a-26653de46794 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3e2c231a-8678-4468-be7c-7bbd9266bf34","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e88ffd7c-dc24-4985-abea-2260c93d802d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 169.78320%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter Mecole Hardman returns to Kansas City after his stint with the Jets ended quickly.

[{"selector":"#anim-8f8a6fa0-bd46-4576-b789-df742561ba21 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8d3dd79b-cde6-44da-b734-7364ada7132c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0301731b-2d9f-4747-a627-88b417940dc5","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 154.49736%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter In his previous four seasons with the Chiefs, he amassed 2,088 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, contributing to two Super Bowl wins.

[{"selector":"#anim-68bb43f4-7275-46ec-bbc5-945a4bd4ac4f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e466b497-9f03-43d0-8790-246001c4293d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-912e82c6-b6ad-474f-846b-bdd33abab3e1","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 154.49736%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter Changes in the Chiefs' receiving corps after Super Bowl LVII led to Hardman's departure, but he's back in familiar territory.

[{"selector":"#anim-e640ecbe-aad3-416a-ac14-f6b6b2a269f4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ebdd9785-041c-474e-8c57-e41cd3af715c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-af31b97c-1651-457a-8824-ab864e34e883","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 169.78320%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter Hardman's return is expected to provide an explosive option for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

[{"selector":"#anim-b20f9300-9b27-44ee-8a3b-8fe92d41128f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c65d9c68-541c-419d-aa9c-208914ab3b6b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-93895b9f-1065-4b9e-ad7b-c39ad6cb7d1e","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 169.78320%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Image Source: Twitter The Chiefs hope Hardman can make an impact and help revive their offense with his speed and playmaking abilities.