NY Jets continue to build around Aaron Rodgers with Mecole Hardman signing

This NY Jets offense is going to be so much fun. The Jets have reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year deal with former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman, worth a maximum of $6.5 million, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Jets have clearly made it a point of emphasis to build around Aaron Rodgers this offseason, and the Hardman addition is just another example. He joins Garrett Wilson, Elijah Moore, Allen Lazard, Corey Davis, and Denzel Mims in a suddenly very crowded wide receiver room.

The assumption is that Davis will either be released or traded, but the rest are likely here to stay. Hardman is essentially a replacement for Braxton Berrios, who signed with the Miami Dolphins last week.

One of the fastest players in the NFL, Hardman won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs and will add an additional element of speed to this Jets' offense. He can also double as a return specialist, much like Berrios did.

Mecole Hardman is an exciting addition to the NY Jets' offense

A second-round pick of the Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft, Hardman never became a featured receiver in Kansas City. Instead, he carved out a regular role on special teams and developed into a dangerous depth receiver.

Hardman famously ran the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds at the 2019 NFL Combine. His speed and explosiveness made him an ever-present threat in the Chiefs' high-powered offense. That's exactly what the Jets are hoping for from him in 2023.

With Wilson, Moore, and Hardman, the Jets have no shortage of speed in their receiving corps. They're looking to surround Rodgers with as many weapons as possible.

Hardman is a sizable upgrade over Berrios as the Jets' WR4, assuming he stays healthy. The former Georgia standout was limited to just eight games in 2022 due to a pelvic injury, but he had never missed a game in his three prior NFL seasons.

The Jets evidently have one goal this offseason: build around Rodgers. The Mecole Hardman addition certainly helps them accomplish their objective.