Wide receiver Mecole Hardman’s agent, Andy Simms, denied claims that his client leaked the team’s game plan on multiple occasions as a member of the New York Jets before he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 18.
“It’s a laughable and ridiculous allegation,” Simms said, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
SNY’s Connor Hughes reported on Wednesday that there was “validated belief” from the Jets that Hardman leaked game plans to opposing teams such as the Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles due to his frustration stemming from a lack of usage.
Hardman signed a one-year deal with New York in the 2023 offseason, as many envisioned a large role for the speedy receiver in an offense led by new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers sustained a significant Achilles injury in the Jets’ Week 1 game that ended his first season with the organization.
The 25-year-old Hardman recorded just one catch for six yards in his five appearances with the Jets.
In an interview with former player and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark on The Pivot podcast, Hardman revealed that he talked to members of the Chiefs organization about trading for him while he was still on New York’s roster during a Week 4 matchup between the two teams.
“I’m telling you right now, I was so checked out, like, it was over with,” Hardman said. “I had already talked to [Chiefs general manager Brett] Veach and Pat [Mahomes], like, ‘Come get me.'”
The former second-round pick spent the first four years of his career in Kansas City before the team traded for him in 2023. The move ultimately paid off, as Hardman totaled 118 receiving yards during his six appearances with the team. He was also a crucial piece of the Chiefs’ playoff run, catching the game-winning touchdown from Mahomes in Super Bowl 58.
Although his agent has denied claims of leaking game plans, Jets general manager Joe Douglas told reporters on Wednesday that his comments “definitely resonated” with the team, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini. With Hardman set to enter free agency, it’s fair to assume that a reunion between himself and New York is out of the question.
