Mecole Hardman Makes Surprise Admission About Trade to Chiefs
By Joe Summers
Mecole Hardman caught the game-winning TD in the Super Bowl win over the 49ers and will forever be remembered in Chiefs history, but he didn't start the year with the team.
Originally on a one-year deal signed with the Jets last offseason, Hardman was traded to the Chiefs mid-season to help bolster a struggling receiver group. While it seemed like a relatively modest acquisition to bring a familiar player back to the system, Hardman revealed the motives were deeper than that.
In fact, he claims to have been angling for a return to Kansas City weeks in advance.
Mecole Hardman Reveals Motive Behind Trade From Jets
Former Jets WR/Super Bowl hero Mecole Hardman, appearing on @Realrclark25's Pivot podcast, shed some light on what led to his trade from the Jets. For instance:
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) February 27, 2024
* Hardman said he refused to return punts vs KC because he felt STC Brant Boyer had misled him about the…
Hardman told former NFL safety and current analyst Ryan Clark that he refused to return punts against the Chiefs after suffering an injury and notching little prep before the game.
According to the former second-round draft pick, "I was so checked out, like, it was over with. I had already talked to (KC GM Brett) Veach and Pat (Mahomes), like, ‘Come get me.’"
The Chiefs quickly made Hardman's wishes come true. He played sparingly, finishing the year with 14 catches for 118 yards and a handful of punt returns. That being said, Hardman saved his best for last with three catches for 57 yards and the game-winning TD to win his third Super Bowl ring.
Regarding the allegation that Hardman communicated with Veach prematurely and could subject the Chiefs to a tampering fine, he was quick to clarify on social media:
Never had talks with KC before the trade, so we can CLEAR THAT UP! The Jets handled my trade on their own and did the right thing by sending me back to KC! https://t.co/W5A1uYXsM1
— Mecole Hardman Jr. (@MecoleHardman4) February 28, 2024
It remains to be seen if the Chiefs will bring Hardman back now that he's a free agent, though I suspect there will be some mutual interest. Both sides tested the waters without each other and quickly learned the mutually beneficial aspects of the relationship.
Sometimes, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. If Hardman does resign with the Chiefs, it doesn't sound like there's much love lost between he and the Jets.
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