Jets' Hardman returns to Chiefs via trade

The New York Jets traded wide receiver Mecole Hardman to the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday, the team announced.

The deal's terms weren't released, but the Jets sent Hardman and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Chiefs in exchange for a 2025 sixth-rounder, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Hardman spent the first four years of his career with the Chiefs before signing a one-year, $4-million deal with New York ahead of this season.

Hardman failed to carve out a role with the Jets and has just one reception for six yards this season, but the speedster proved he could produce with the Chiefs.

The 25-year-old eclipsed 530 receiving yards in each of his first three campaigns before being limited to eight games a season ago. Hardman averaged at least 11.7 yards per reception in all four seasons with the Chiefs, including 20.7 per grab in his rookie year.

Hardman also contributed as a returner for Kansas City. The Georgia product amassed 555 punt return yards and a touchdown on 62 returns in addition to 927 yards and a touchdown on 39 kick returns.

The 5-foot-10, 187-pound wideout has 152 receptions for 2,094 yards, and 16 touchdowns in 62 career games.

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