LAS VEGAS — Mecole Hardman still doesn’t fully understand what happened to the Jets.
The wide receiver is preparing to play in the 2024 Super Bowl against the Chiefs on Sunday.
However, his 2023 season began as a member of the Jets.
The team signed him to a $4 million contract last offseason, barely used him after that, and traded him to the Chiefs in October.
“It was a roller coaster,” Hardman said of his time with the Jets. “Things definitely didn’t go the way I wanted them to. I think I just wasn’t on the same page as everyone.
“There’s no bad blood there. I’m happy for everyone there. I’m still good friends with some of them. I wish them the best. I think things happened the way they were supposed to.”
The Jets had said they had big plans to use Hardman on the offensive line, but Hardman played just 28 snaps in five games and was inactive for one game before being traded.
“It was a little confusing,” Hardman said. “I really didn’t know what happened. Obviously they probably saw something different than what I saw.”
Hardman said he wasn’t on the same page as the coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
“In some ways, I don’t know if he didn’t know how to use me or if he just didn’t feel he needed to,” Hardman said. “I don’t know what they were thinking about me and whether or not to put me on the field. There were some plays that could have been in the game. Was it called? Not much. Hackett is great. I think people. I don’t know what the thought process was when it came to me.”
In October, the Jets sent Hardman back to Kansas City, where he spent the past four seasons, in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Hardman had two fumbles in the Chiefs’ district-round win over the Bills and played just one snap in the AFC title game against the Ravens.
He may not play a big role in the Super Bowl.
As for the Jets, Hardman believes they have a good young core.
“They have a great two-piece with Garrett.” [Wilson] and breath [Hall]” Hardman said. “Brees is definitely a top-five running back in the league. He came back from an ACL and what he did was pretty amazing. Garrett is one of the best receivers.
“He’s the most athletic, quirky receiver I’ve ever met, the way he uses his body, the ability to stop and catch. They have the best defense in the league. Along with Aaron. think about [Rodgers] I think if they can come back and get some pieces, hopefully in the offseason, they’ll be really good. ”
