Hardman’s brief stint with the New York Jets was far from spectacular. In five games this season, he managed to catch only one pass for a mere six yards on three targets. His disappointing performance even led to his inactivity during the team’s Week 5 victory over the Denver Broncos. The once-promising receiver had become an afterthought in the Jets’ offensive strategy, overshadowed by the likes of Garrett Wilson, Randall Cobb, and Allen Lazard.

Hardman’s frustration with his limited role in the Jets’ offense was palpable. In early October, he expressed his discontent to ESPN, emphasizing his capabilities in open space. He remarked, “I’m probably the best in the league in space. Maybe [the coaches] see something different. I’m just waiting for the opportunity to present itself. I think when I was in KC, I proved that I was probably the most dangerous guy on the jet sweep, whether it be on the end around or on the screen. I think I proved year in and year out that I was that guy you had to worry about doing that.”

Returning to the Kansas City Chiefs, the team where he began his NFL journey as a 2019 second-round pick, provides hope for a resurgence in Mecole Hardman’s career. During his four seasons with the Chiefs, he contributed significantly to their success, helping secure two Super Bowl victories. In a total of 57 games, Hardman recorded 151 receptions for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and big-play ability.

One standout season for Hardman was his rookie year in 2019. He managed to haul in 26 passes for 538 yards and six touchdowns across 16 games, earning him a Pro Bowl selection. As he returns to the Chiefs, the 25-year-old receiver’s numbers are expected to show a marked improvement, given the anticipation of increased playing time and a renewed sense of purpose.

The trade of Mecole Hardman is poised to have ripple effects on both the New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs. While the Jets part ways with a player who couldn’t find his footing in their offense, the Chiefs welcome back a familiar face with the potential to rekindle his past successes. The coming games will reveal whether this move was the spark needed to reignite Hardman’s career and bolster the Chiefs’ receiving corps.

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As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for a Week 7 AFC West matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, special teams coach Dave Toub dropped a surprising revelation about the Chiefs’ depth chart. With punter Tommy Towsend working through a knee injury, Kansas City’s backup plan involves sending star quarterback Patrick Mahomes out with the punt team.

The Chiefs hosted a few free agent punters before their Week 6 game in case Towsend wasn’t able to go. Ultimately, they didn’t sign anybody and planned to use Mahomes as an emergency backup. That continues to be the plan against the Chargers, as roster spots come at a premium in the NFL.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mahomes is apparently pretty good at punting. “He can do it,” Toub said. “He shows me all the time. He’s out there going on Saturday hitting punts. He can do it all that guy.”

The Chiefs definitely want to avoid having to keep Mahomes on the field on fourth downs. They don’t want to risk Mahomes getting hit on a punt. However, the fake punt possibilities with an MVP quarterback out there are intriguing. The Chargers would have to keep an eye on him in their punt return formation.

Towsend appears to be good to go for Week 7, however. He played through his knee injury last week and has been a full participant in practice this week. If Towsend were ever to suffer an in-game injury, though, watch out for Mahomes to showcase his hidden talent.