Roster News: Hardman traded back to Kansas City
Over the past few weeks, it's become increasingly obvious this was likely to happen:
Trade: Jets informed former Chiefs’ WR Mecole Hardman that he is being sent back to Kansas City in another late-round draft pick swap, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2023
Don't expect the Jets to get much value from this pick swap. In fact, because of the salary they will save for a redundant piece, it might even have negative value.
The narrative that Xavier Gipson took the role intended for Hardman is not necessarily accurate. When the Jets signed Hardman, they were hoping he'd have a much bigger role within the offense. They didn't sign him for $4 million and tell him they were expanding his role to be a novelty package and special teams guy. Randall Cobb has definitely eaten into his workload, and hasn't even played well, which tells you all you need to know about how much Hardman fought to earn his spot.
This move has been inevitable since he got no snaps in the opener and, if anything, it's surprising he lasted this long on the roster.
Good riddance.