New York Jets trading Mecole Hardman back to Kansas City Chiefs

Wide receiver Mecole Hardman is returning to Kansas City.

The New York Jets are trading Hardman and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Chiefs for a 2025 sixth-round pick, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to discuss the trade.

The trade reunites Hardman with the Chiefs.

Hardman spent the first four seasons of his career in Kansas City and was on the roster for the franchise’s Super Bowl 54 and 57 titles.

The Chiefs let Hardman walk in free agency this past offseason and the wideout signed with the Jets in March.

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Hardman fell out of the Jets' rotation in his brief stint in New York and was a candidate to be dealt before the NFL’s Oct. 31 trade deadline. He had just three targets and one catch in five games with the Jets.

In Kansas City, Hardman should have a rather seamless transition. The speedy receiver knows the Chiefs offense and has established chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs are looking for wide receivers to step up within their offense. Tight end Travis Kelce is the only Chiefs player with at least 25 receptions and 30 targets. Rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice currently leads the Chiefs' receiving corps with 21 catches on 28 targets.

Hardman will add depth to Kansas City and also provide the club with an ability to stretch the field. Hardman has 152 receptions, 2,094 yards and 16 touchdowns in 62 career regular-season games.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.