23 March 2023 , 18:00
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Wide receiver Mecole Hardman has insisted he will offer the New York Jets more than just a basic running play option in a feisty retort to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 25-year-old, a free agent after leaving Super Bowl winners Kansas City, agreed to a one-year £5.3million ($6.5million) deal with the franchise on Wednesday to bolster their exciting array of players at the position. The news garnered interest from Jets fans and NFL media members including Schefter, whose assessment of the Chiefs man did not go down particularly well.
Hardman took exception to Schefter’s Tweet which read: “The Jets now add a player to run jet sweeps, and more.” The NFL insider was referring to a fundamental - and incredibly effective - running play which relies on a speedy receiver with the skills of Hardman.
The two-time Super Bowl champion quickly snapped back replying: “Way ‘MORE’ than jet sweeps!” Hardman then backed up his argument by sharing a statistic which showed that - among all wide receivers - he is second only to Deebo Samuel in average yards after the catch per reception since his debut campaign in 2019.
During his four-season long career, the 2019 Pro Bowler has had 151 catches for 2,088 yards and has scored 20 touchdowns. He enjoyed another successful campaign with the Chiefs last term and had 25 catches for 297 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for two touchdowns in his eight outings last term and will be the latest weapon in an emerging Jets arsenal.
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Mecole Hardman has joined the New York Jets on a one-year deal (Photo: Getty Images)Former Green Bay Packer Allen Lazard has already joined a roster that includes Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson with reports of further additions at the receiver position in the shape of Odell Beckham Jr. The Jets have set about laying the groundwork for the imminent arrival of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who finally revealed his desire to join the organisation in an interview on The Pat McAfee Show last week.
The four-time MVP is expected to complete his trade from the Packers in the coming weeks and spearhead a revamped roster that slumped to a 7-10 record in 2022. With Rodgers replacing the unreliable Zach Wilson at quarterback and reinforcements at the receiver position, the Jets will be hopeful of mounting a serious Super Bowl push when the 2023 season gets underway.