5 teams that could trade for NY Jets WR Mecole Hardman

The NY Jets originally promised wide receiver Mecole Hardman a larger role when they signed him to a one-year, $4 million contract this offseason. Through the first five weeks of the 2023 season, Hardman has played just 22 offensive snaps and is fresh off being a healthy scratch in Week 5.

Needless to say, the season hasn't gone according to plan for Hardman...or the Jets, for that matter. The loss of Aaron Rodgers forced the Jets to reconsider their offensive game plan, and the emergence of rookie Xavier Gipson helped make Hardman's skill set redundant.

It should come as little surprise that the Jets have begun exploring their options with the speedy wideout. A trade is very much on the table, and there will likely be a number of interested teams.

Let's take a look at five teams that could be interested in trading for Hardman.

5. The NY Jets could trade Mecole Hardman to the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins already have the fastest skill position group in the NFL, perhaps even in league history. It's fair to wonder just how productive Hardman could be in Mike McDaniel's offense.

The Dolphins don't necessarily have a need at wide receiver, especially after acquiring Chase Claypool last week, but from a sheer schematic standpoint, no offense in the NFL is better equipped to take advantage of Hardman's skill set.

Would the Jets actually trade Hardman to a division rival? It's certainly possible. While the Jets and Dolphins don't have a long history of being trade partners, the two teams did agree on a deal for running back Kalen Ballage a few years ago.

Hardman probably isn't a high-enough-profile player to warrant ruling out division rivals. If the two teams can overlook their rivalry, the Dolphins would be a great fit for Hardman.

4. The NY Jets could trade Mecole Hardman to the San Francisco 49ers

From a Kyle Shanahan disciple to Kyle Shanahan himself. Much like Hardman would thrive in Mike McDaniel's offense, it's exciting to think about what an offensive mind like Shanahan could do with the former Kansas City Chiefs wideout.

Hardman's field-stretch ability, combined with his speed and playmaking skills, would make him an ideal fit for a Shanahan offense. He'd be a better version of Ray-Ray McCloud for the 49ers.

The likes of Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings have been banged up this year, and it might make sense to add another receiver as extra depth. Hardman is a cheap buy-low option for John Lynch's team.

Few teams make more sense as a potential destination for Mecole Hardman than the 49ers.

3. The NY Jets could trade Mecole Hardman to the Los Angeles Chargers

In terms of contenders who could be in the market for wide receiver help, the Los Angeles Chargers immediately spring to mind. The Chargers lost star wideout Mike Williams for the season in Week 3 and could be searching for extra depth as a result.

Keenan Allen, rookie Quentin Johnston, and Joshua Palmer represent the new starting trio in Los Angeles, but the depth behind them isn't encouraging. The only other wide receivers on the roster are rookie fourth-round pick Derius Davis and Simi Fehoko, who hasn't played an offensive snap this year.

Hardman would give the Chargers another veteran wide receiver to rely on in case the oft-injured Keenan Allen, or any other receiver, misses time this season.

The Chargers need to solidify their wide receiver depth if they plan to be serious contenders this season. Hardman makes too much sense.

2. The NY Jets could trade Mecole Hardman to the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions already traded for one overlooked Jets wide receiver this year. While the Denzel Mims deal didn't exactly work out for Detroit, perhaps they return to the well and make a move for Hardman.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is a genuine star and one of the cornerstones of the Lions franchise. Josh Reynolds has emerged as a reliable contributor this season. Rookie Sam LaPorta has quickly become one of the league's most productive tight ends.

Still, the Lions could use another playmaker. The team still has that former first-round pick Jameson Williams will develop into that player, but the early returns haven't been great.

Hardman adds a new element to Ben Johnson's offense as essentially a revamped version of former Jet Kalif Raymond.

1. The NY Jets could trade Mecole Hardman to the Kansas City Chiefs

A Mecole Hardman/Chiefs reunion just makes too much sense. It was a mild surprise to see Hardman depart Kansas City this offseason, and with the Chiefs searching for wide receiver help, they should make a call to Florham Park.

Hardman spent the first four years of his career in Kansas City, playing over 50 percent of the team's offensive snaps in each of the last two seasons. He could once again fill that same role on offense if he returns.

The likes of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, Justyn Ross, and Kadarius Toney aren't scaring anyone. Patrick Mahomes could really use another reliable wide receiver to work with.

Hardman knows the system and has ample experience with Mahomes and the majority of the roster. This feels like the most likely trade destination for the former Pro Bowler.