NFL star drops cryptic tease as doubts surround New York Jets future

12 October 2023 , 12:58

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Mecole Hardman has spoken about rumours that he could be traded by the New York Jets (Image: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Mecole Hardman has posted a cryptic message on social media amid speculation that he could be traded by the New York Jets.

Reports emerged on Tuesday claiming that the Jets were exploring options for summer recruit Hardman in the coming days. One such possibility, it was claimed, was that the wide receiver could be traded before the October 31 deadline in the NFL.

Hardman is only in his first season with the Jets, after signing a one-year deal worth potentially up to $5.5 million (£4.5 million) during the off-season. However, the injury to veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has led to Hardman not getting as much time on the field as many would have expected.

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The 25-year-old has made just one catch for a total of six yards across the four games that he has played for the Jets this season. After playing through Weeks 1 to 4, he was inactive for the Week 5 road victory against the Denver Broncos last Sunday.

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It was soon after that game that reports began emerging that Hardman could be traded. And now the receiver has posted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, hinting at what may happen next.

“I can’t wait til I get a chance to really tell y’all what I really want to tell y’all and this don’t got nothing to do with my current situation either,” Hardman wrote on X on Wednesday.

Hardman’s tweet came after he spoke to reporters on Wednesday for the first time since the reports emerged that he could be on the move again. Unsurprisingly, the fifth-year receiver was asked about the speculation and whether or not he could leave the Jets after just a few months with the franchise.

"Obviously, I want to go out there and contribute and help my team win," Hardman told reporters on Wednesday, via the . "As of now the coaches just maybe see better options, or they just haven't called my number yet."

When asked whether he would be open to a trade away from the Jets, Hardman said: "I just want to play, get on the field. Whether it's here or somewhere else, it's not up to me.

"It depends. If it works out for both sides, I guess, I don't know. I've never been part of this so I don't know."

Prior to signing for the Jets, Hardman spent four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, during which time he helped the team win two Super Bowls. No specific teams have been mentioned in terms of potential trade destination for the receiver, but the Chiefs have been rumoured to be interested in adding a receiver to their roster.

Mark Wakefield