LAS VEGAS — Mecole Hardman nonetheless can’t fairly work out what occurred with the Jets.
The broad receiver is making ready to play in Tremendous Bowl 2024 with the Chiefs on Sunday.
However his 2023 season started as a member of the Jets.
The workforce signed him to a $4 million contract final offseason, however then barely used him earlier than buying and selling him to the Chiefs in October.
“It was a curler coaster,” Hardman stated of his time with the Jets. “Issues undoubtedly didn’t go like I wished it to go. I assume I simply wasn’t on the identical web page with all people.
“There’s no unhealthy blood over there. I’m pleased for everyone over there. I’m nonetheless cool with a few of these guys. I want them one of the best. I believe issues occurred prefer it was alleged to.”
The Jets talked about having huge plans for Hardman of their offense, however he performed simply 28 snaps in 5 video games and was inactive for one sport earlier than being traded.
“It was a bit of bit complicated,” Hardman stated. “I simply actually didn’t know what was the factor. Clearly, they most likely noticed one thing completely different than I noticed.”
Hardman stated he simply was not on the identical web page because the teaching employees, together with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
“I don’t know if he didn’t know how one can use me, in a way, or simply felt like he didn’t have to,” Hardman stated. “I don’t know what their considering was when it got here to me and having me on the sphere or not. There have been performs the place I might have gone into the sport. Was it referred to as? Probably not. I believe Hackett is a good man. When it got here to me, I don’t know what the thought course of was.”
The Jets despatched Hardman again to Kansas Metropolis, the place he had spent the earlier 4 seasons, in October together with a 2025 seventh-round decide in trade for a 2025 sixth-round decide.
Hardman had two fumbles within the Chiefs’ divisional-round win over the Payments and performed just one snap towards the Ravens within the AFC title sport.
He could not have a big function within the Tremendous Bowl.
As for the Jets, Hardman thinks they’ve an excellent, younger nucleus.
“They’ve received an important two-piece with Garrett [Wilson] and Breece [Hall],” Hardman stated. “Breece is certainly a top-five operating again within the league. He got here again from the ACL, and to do what he did is fairly good. Garrett’s top-of-the-line receivers.
“He’s essentially the most athletic, freakish receiver I’ve ever been round — how he can twerk his physique, simply cease and his catching capability. They’ve top-of-the-line defenses within the league. I believe with Aaron [Rodgers] coming again, and hopefully they get some items within the offseason, I believe they are often actually good.”
