Potential Chiefs WR Reunion Would Be Disastrous Trade

An old friend is reportedly available for trade, as the New York Jets and wide receiver Mecole Hardman are working to find him a new home.

Hardman signed with the Jets on a one-year deal in the offseason but hasn't been involved whatsoever, catching just one pass for six yards on the entire season. With Aaron Rodgers' injury ruining New York's plans, the organization apparently no longer has a use for the speedy wideout.

It's tempting to want a Hardman reunion with the Chiefs, especially given Kansas City's issues at wide receiver, but trading for the former second-round pick would be a disastrous decision.

Chiefs Trading for Mecole Hardman Would be a Disaster

There are several reasons it wouldn't make sense for the Chiefs to trade for Hardman despite his history with the franchise.

First, they let him go for a reason in the first place. Hardman battled through injuries to play only eight games last year, catching 25 passes for 297 yards and four TDs. The Chiefs easily could have signed him in the offseason but chose not to, so trading away assets to acquire him now would serve no point.

It'd be a redundant move, as Kadarius Toney's skillset is a better version of what Hardman brought to the table. Both players struggle to stay healthy, but Toney is a quicker, more effective version of Hardman. The Chiefs can still run the same gadget plays and have a return threat, and Richie James can do a lot of the same things as well.

This was the thought process at the time and it still rings true. The Chiefs no longer need Hardman's skillset and he brings nothing to the table that Kansas City doesn't already have.

Acquiring Hardman would also force the Chiefs to cut the snaps of our young, developing receivers who still need more time. Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross are both showing great flashes and their development should be a priority for the organization. Adding a redundant receiver like Hardman would only further complicate and already crowded room.

If Hardman proved to be more of a game-changing talent, he would be worth an inquiry. He's not a special player and the Chiefs let him go for a reason.

Stay the course and expect better contributions from Toney, Rice and Ross moving forward with Justin Watson there to provide a deep-ball threat. Championship organizations like the Chiefs don't chase desperation moves, plain and simple.

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