Despite achieving Super Bowl success upon returning to the Kansas City Chiefs, Mecole Hardman still harbors resentment from his brief spell with the New York Jets this season.
During a recent appearance on “The Pivot” podcast, Hardman criticized the game plan of Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett following quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury in the opening game of the 2023 season.
“I just feel like there’s no established coaching staff there,” Hardman remarked. “It’s a new coaching staff, and there’s no clear standard. Everyone does as they please. While the defense has a more consistent standard with the coaching staff, the offense seems to be in a state of uncertainty. It was like, ‘We’ll just figure it out. It’s Aaron’s show. Let Aaron do what Aaron does.’ Then, when Aaron went down, we were left scrambling.”
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In the 2023 season, the Jets offense ranked 29th in points per game (15.8) and 31st in total yards (268.6).
Hardman drew a comparison between the Jets’ and Chiefs’ team cultures, noting that Kansas City boasts more team-oriented players despite having prominent personalities like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones. The wide receiver, now in his fifth year, suggested that New York’s locker room had too many egos.
After four seasons with the Chiefs, the 25-year-old signed a one-year, $4-million contract with the Jets in March 2023. Hardman was expected to be a key contributor alongside Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard in a passing game led by Rodgers. However, Rodgers’ injury derailed New York’s postseason aspirations.
Hardman’s stint with the Jets saw him register just one reception on three targets for six yards across five games. He also mentioned a disagreement with special teams coordinator Brant Boyer as a source of frustration during his time in New York.
“I was mentally checked out. I had already spoken to (Chiefs GM Brett) Veach, Pat (Mahomes), like, ‘Come get me,'” Hardman disclosed.
Kansas City reacquired Hardman via trade last October. In his second spell with the Chiefs, the former Georgia standout delivered a standout performance in Super Bowl LVIII, tallying three catches for 58 yards, including the game-winning touchdown.
Despite becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Hardman has ruled out the possibility of returning to the Jets.
“No, I won’t be going back to the Jets,” Hardman recently confirmed to NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano.
