Jets WR Mecole Hardman on trade rumors: ‘I just want to play and be on the field’

NEW YORK — Five games into his one-year contract with the Jets, Mecole Hardman has become an afterthought.

Now it appears Gang Green could be close to finding a new home for the 25-year-old.

On Tuesday, ESPN reported that the Jets are looking at options for Hardman, which includes a possible trade. In March, the Jets signed Hardman to a one-year, $6.5 million contract with a $2.5 million signing bonus. However, this year, he has seldom seen the field during Gang Green’s first five games.

Hardman has played a total of 24 of the possible 284 snaps. That has translated into Hardman recording one catch for six yards in four games. He was inactive for Sunday’s win against the Broncos.

“I just want to play and be on the field,” Hardman said. “Whether it’s here or somewhere else, I don’t make that call.

“Whatever happens, happens. I’m just going to work every day and whenever I get a chance I’m going to prove it.”

Hardman was asked if he had approached the Jets about a trade and he said the first time he heard any news about him being traded was on Tuesday.

The Jets signed Hardman on the same day the team traded Elijah Moore to the Browns last March, as he was thought to be the speed threat the team missed during the 2022 season. However, Hardman’s role has been reduced with the emergence of rookie undrafted free agent Xavier Gipson, as they’ve used Gipson in gadget plays.

Hardman said when he came to the Jets, they didn’t specify what type of role he would play in their offense. However, he said the team wanted to utilize Hardman’s speed and get him out in space.

On Wednesday, the Jets signed a seventh receiver, Irv Charles, to the active roster after placing offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles) on injured reserve. Charles was elevated from the practice squad before last week’s win against the Broncos. He forced a fumble on special teams, leading to the Jets’ first three points of the contest.

“He’s here, working, competing, until someone upstairs says otherwise,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said about Hardman. “We’re going to do our best to try to find ways to get him involved.

“I think what we’re missing the opportunity on is to talk about Xavier Gipson. Xavier Gipson, since he’s got here has done a phenomenal job in regards to his kick return ability and proving that he can do that. Just his attention to detail and the way he’s been attacking every day and evolving. He’s a young guy, he’s hungry, he’s playing fast.

“If you guys have noticed, he’s getting a lot more opportunity on the football field and he’s going to continue to get a lot of opportunity because when the ball’s in his hands, he’s pretty darn special too. I think what we’re missing out on here is an opportunity to really champion Xavier Gipson in this moment. The fact that a young guy came in undrafted and he’s done nothing but attack his moments and he’s going to continue to attack his moments.”

Hardman signed with the Jets after four seasons with the Chiefs, in which he won two Super Bowl championships. Last season, Hardman recorded 25 receptions for 297 yards and four touchdowns in eight games.

He missed the last nine regular-season games and the Chiefs’ AFC divisional-round playoff game against the Jaguars because of what was described as a pelvic injury. Hardman played in Kansas City’s AFC Championship victory against Cincinnati, registering two catches for 10 yards, but he did not play in the Super Bowl LVII win against the Eagles.

“Obviously, I want to go out there and contribute,” Hardman said. “As of now, I guess there are better options, or they just haven’t called my number yet. All I can do is just work.”

Nothing appears immediate on Collins

After losing Vera-Tucker for the season, the Jets decided to work out a veteran offensive lineman on Tuesday.

Tackle La’el Collins worked out for the Jets on Tuesday, according to the NFL’s official transaction wire. According to NFL Media, Collins also plans to visit with the Giants as well with their offensive line issues at the moment.

“I always mess with Joe [Douglas], I feel like every week we have an o-line workout,” Saleh said. “Always encouraging him to not be shy to bring in some more D-linemen.

“It’s a standard procedure. You lose a guy, you bring a guy in to work out. As far as where that stands, it’s probably more of a Joe question. Every week, we’re always doing due diligence on players and positions just to see where they’re at.”

After spending his first seven seasons with the Cowboys, Collins signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Bengals in 2022. He started 15 games at right tackle for Cincinnati last season but tore his ACL and MCL in a Week 16 matchup against the Patriots.

Collins’ rehab extended into the preseason and training camp as the Bengals placed him on the physically unable to perform list (PUP). Cincinnati then moved former left tackle Jonah Williams to the right side after the addition of four-time Pro Bowler Orlando Brown Jr. signing with the team during the offseason, which led to Collins being released. Per Over the Cap, Collins’ release saved the Bengals more than $7 million in salary cap space.

The Jets and Giants certainly could use the offensive line help, as the Jets are keeping quiet on their plans at right tackle in this weekend’s game against the Eagles after losing Vera-Tucker for the season. After he suffered an Achilles tear against the Broncos, the Jets moved Max Mitchell into Vera-Tucker’s spot.

Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas missed Wednesday’s practice. He hasn’t played since the team’s 40-0 loss against the Cowboys in Week 1 due to a hamstring injury. Giants coach Brian Daboll says Thomas’ status for the game against the Bills this weekend has “yet to be determined.”

Through five games, the Giants offensive line has allowed the most sacks in the NFL (30).