New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas says the team has taken note of Mecole Hardman’s claim that he made a plea to the Chiefs shortly before he was traded back to Kansas City.
Hardman revealed this week that he told Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and quarterback Patrick Mahomes to bring him back to Kansas City weeks before the trade, while offering his thoughts on why his short-lived tenure as a Jet didn’t work out.
“I was so checked out that it was over,” he said of his time at MetLife Stadium. “I had already talked to (general manager Brett) Veach and Pat (Mahomes), like, ‘Come and get me.’
And Douglas said Wednesday that Hardman’s revelation in New York raised some eyebrows.
“I just want to say that these comments definitely resonated with us,” the Jets GM told reporters of their former player at the NFL combine.
Jets GM Joe Douglas said Mecole Hardman’s plea of ”come get me” resonated in New York
Hardman returned to the Chiefs and caught the Super Bowl-winning touchdown this month
The 25-year-old had left the Chiefs in free agency last year to sign a one-year deal with New York, but midway through the season the Jets traded Hardman back to the Chiefs along with a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
The Jets may choose to investigate possible tampering charges against the Chiefs over Hardman’s comments, which could potentially lead to Kansas City being punished with draft picks if found guilty.
Hardman attempted to clarify his comments in a post on The Jets handled my trade themselves and did the right thing by sending me back to KC!
During an appearance on NFL Network last week, Hardman laughed off the possibility of re-signing with New York this year while discussing his impending free agency.
Hardman played just 28 snaps and had one reception during his short time with the Jets.
The wide receiver attempted to clarify his recent comments in a tweet he posted to X
After returning to Kansas City, Hardman played a much bigger role in the offense, recording 14 catches for 118 yards.
Most importantly, he recorded the winning touchdown for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
Hardman also spent the day dealing with being accused by some of his former teammates in New York of leaking the Jets game plans to opponents due to his displeasure.