WR Mecole Hardman rules out return to Jets in free agency

With future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers leading a completely redesigned system, the Jets hired Mecole Hardman to a one-year contract last offseason with the expectation that he would provide another weapon.

As it transpired, though, neither side’s plans came to pass.

Four snaps into the season against the Buffalo Bills, Aaron Rodgers sustained a season-ending injury. Gang Green’s offense struggled terribly and quickly eliminated them from contention in the last stretch of the game.

Although Hardman appeared to be the kind of guy who could invigorate that offense, he dubious earned only three targets on 28 offensive snaps throughout the season’s first five weeks. The irate 25-year-old soon heard his name mentioned in trade discussions and was promptly sent back to Kansas City, where he had played for the first four seasons of the NFL.

Hardman was largely silent for the remainder of the regular season, but in the Chiefs’ thrilling Super Bowl victory

over the San Francisco 49ers, he of course shone on the biggest stage by

grabbing the game-winning three-yard touchdown pass.

After the win, the wide receiver has been enjoying his media tour. Recently, he was asked about his upcoming free agency when making a visit on NFL Network.

Hardman wasn’t ruling out getting back together with the Chiefs as they attempt to win a third straight championship, but he did close the door on ever playing in New York again.

He replied, “No, I’m not going back to the Jets.”