Jets veteran receiver Mecole Hardman open to being traded

Mecole Hardman left the door cracked open for a possible departure.

The Jets began exploring possible trades for the speedy wide receiver, ESPN reported Tuesday, as it’s clear he doesn’t have a role on the team.

“If it works for both sides,” Hardman said Wednesday when asked if he’d welcome a departure from the Jets.

“That’s above me. The first time I heard [about it] was yesterday or two days ago, whenever [the news] broke, so that was the first time I’m hearing it.”

Hardman signed a one-year deal worth $4 million this offseason, but he’s played just 22 offensive snaps this season, or 9.9 percent of the team’s snaps on offense, and has just one catch for 6 yards.

Hardman was also expected to be a kick and punt returner, but he’s played just two snaps on special teams.

The roles Hardman was supposed to fill have instead been taken by an undrafted rookie.

“I think what we’re missing the opportunity on is to talk about Xavier Gipson,” head coach Robert Saleh said. “Xavier Gipson, since he’s got here, has done a phenomenal job in regards to his kick-return ability and proving that he can do that. Just his attention to detail and the way he’s been attacking every day and evolving.

“He’s a young guy, he’s hungry, he’s playing fast. If you guys have noticed, he’s getting a lot more opportunity on the football field, and he’s going to continue to get a lot of opportunity because when the ball’s in his hands, he’s pretty darn special, too.”

D.J. Reed returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since entering concussion protocol.

The stud cornerback missed the team’s Week 5 win over the Broncos with the injury.

As long as there was no setbacks during practice, Reed is expected to be available against the Eagles on Sunday.

CBs Brandin Echols and Justin Hardee did not participate in practice with hamstring injuries.

Neither did FB Nick Bawden, who is dealing with a calf injury.

Wednesday’s practice was just a walk-through.

“We’ve had a lot of night games, late travel, getting in at three in the morning, this first half of the season,” Saleh said. “I just felt like it was important, especially dealing with the altitude [in Denver], got in at like three in the morning on Monday, just felt like it would be good to just kind of give our guys another day to breathe.”