Mecole Hardman may not be a Jets afterthought much longer.
The team is considering all options for the 25-year-old receiver, including a trade, after he was inactive Sunday, according to ESPN.com.
The Jets signed Hardman to a one-year, $4 million contract this offseason, but he has barely factored into the offense with one catch for four yards on the season.
The Jets likely envisioned a bigger role for Hardman if Aaron Rodgers was under center, but the quarterback’s season ended on his fourth offensive play of the year.
Zach Wilson has taken over as the Jets quarterback and has improved after rough outings against the Cowboys and Patriots, but he doesn’t operate a pass-first scheme.
“A little surprising,” Hardman told The Post’s Jared Schwartz after only seeing 14 snaps in the Jets’ Week 2 loss to the Cowboys.
“Very surprising, honestly. But I’m just here to do my role. When they need me, they need me. If we’re winning games, I can’t complain.”
The speedy Hardman was one of several receiving additions the Jets made this offseason, also signing Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb away from the Packers.
Lazard has 13 catches for 202 yards, but Cobb has just three catches for 20 yards.
“I do think I can definitely help with some things, being explosive and making things happen,” Hardman said last Thursday. “That’s definitely my mindset anytime I’m on the field. Whenever that chance presents itself, I’ll make sure I go out there and show that.
“I just gotta keep working, keep getting familiar with the offense, keep building trust with the staff and hopefully waiting for my opportunity to come. When they do, take advantage. … When they dial something up for me, I’ll make sure I make it count.”
The speedy Hardman started his career with three respectable seasons with the Chiefs after being taken in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Georgia.
Hardman accumulated 1,791 yards receiving in those first three seasons before year four was cut short due to a core injury.
The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 31.
NEWS CREDIT
