An individual with knowledge of the trade revealed to Associated Press on Wednesday that the New York Jets may be doing business with the Kansas City Chiefs involving wide receiver Mecole Hardman.

Hardman, a valuable member of two Super Bowl-winning squads, seems to be up for grabs in the 2025 draft, with the Chiefs expected to receive a seventh-round pick in exchange, as there hasn’t been any official trade announcement yet – an initial revelation made by ESPN.

In the 2019 draft, the Chiefs orchestrated a significant maneuver when they selected Hardman, then 25 years old, in the second round. This strategic choice metamorphosed him into a dynamic return specialist, collaborating effectively with Pro Bowl receiver Tyreek Hill.

Benefitting from Patrick Mahomes, Hardman gradually became a significant part of Kansas City’s offense, with 151 catches and 16 touchdowns over four seasons, covering 2,088 yards at 151 catches and 16 touchdowns over four seasons.

In the offseason, he ventured into the realm of free agency and secured a lucrative deal worth $4 million with the Jets, with the intention of infusing his speed and versatility into their offensive roster. The agreement encompassed a generous $2.5 million as a signing bonus, coupled with a solid $3.6 million guaranteed payout.

Hardman had a quiet training camp, and unproven rookie Xavier Gibson ultimately moved ahead of him on the depth chart, taking on the role of a returner and wide receiver, particularly after his game-changing punt return touchdown in overtime against Buffalo in New York’s season opener. Meanwhile,

Hardman only played 28 snaps on offense, catching a 6-yard pass and just two snaps on special teams. He was inactive in Week 5 in Denver when the Jets elevated wide receiver Erwin Charles because of his special teams skills.

Hardman recently acknowledged that the mental aspect of playing had been “mentally challenging” at times, but he was focusing on contributing as much as possible. He conveyed, Or they haven’t called me yet.” In the last few weeks, trade rumors swirled around Hardman.

“My main focus is just to get out there and play,” he said. That’s not my decision to make, whether it’s with this squad or not.” “It’s contingent on multiple factors,” Hardman said in response to a question about whether he would be open to a trade. I suppose it helps both parties, but I’m not positive. It’s unknown to me because I haven’t gone through that procedure before. I have no idea because I have never participated in that.

Kansas City naturally became an attractive destination given his background and broad skill set, as the Chiefs could utilize Hardman effectively at the wider level.

They allowed Hardman and veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster to sign with other agencies for free, believing that a young and unproven group of receivers would step up. While rookie Rashii Rice has started to make more noise, the Chiefs have yet to gain much from second-year pros like Pro Sky Moore or often-injured Kadarious Toney.

Wide receiver Markese Walden-Skantling, who is outperforming other receivers, has struggled to make an impact, and the Chiefs lost Justin Watson for a short-term injury after he got hurt in the game against Denver last week. Watson sat out Wednesday’s practice, making it improbable that he’ll take the field against the Chargers this Sunday.

The Chiefs have clinched a string of five successive wins in their AFC West clashes against the Los Angeles Chargers, whereas the Jets, who suffered their initial defeat against the Eagles last week, are striving for consecutive victories in their final two weeks.

In the Chiefs’ offense, Hardman should immediately assist with playmaking around Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Throughout his four-year tenure with Kansas City, Hardman has carried the ball on 20 occasions, accumulating 125 yards on the ground and finding the end zone twice. He has consistently worked as the primary returner for the Chiefs, producing kickoff returns and punt returns for touchdowns.

Hardman made history the previous season when he became the first wide receiver to score two touchdowns in a Super Bowl era—he even managed to score a touchdown catch in the same game. Nevertheless, a stomach ailment that kept him out of several games ruined his season.

Even though he recovered in time for the AFC Championship Game, he was unable to play in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory against Philadelphia due to an additional injury.

What is Mecole Hardman’s total wealth?

It’s estimated that his accumulated wealth is around $3 million. This substantial wealth serves as evidence of the financial success and prosperity that Mecole Hardman has achieved during his rising career in professional football.

While his primary source of income undoubtedly comes from his attractive contracts and endorsements in the National Football League (NFL), Hardman has also ventured strategically into various business endeavors and investment deals.

These additional income streams contribute to the growth of his net worth and demonstrate his astute financial portfolio construction, which is diverse and sustainable.