Illegal Tampering or Sour Grapes? Jets React to Mecole Hardman
Could the defending champs be hit with tampering charges this Spring?
If the New York Jets had a say, the conversation could certainly get started.
Just a day after wide receiver Mecole Hardman stated on the Pivot Podcast with Ryan Clark that he had spoken to the Kansas City Chiefs to "come get him" while he was still with the Jets, New York's front office is fully aware of the full comments made.
Speaking to reporters at the 2024 Scouting Combine, Jets general manager Joe Douglas stated that he was aware of the comments and that they "resonated with us (the organization)."
"Not to get into any specifics on what Mecole said, I'll just say we were excited to sign him and he was excited to join our team," Douglas added. "Xavier Gipson really came on this year. Ultimately we made the decision to move on from Mecole but our process to add him, it just didn't work out. A lot of it just had to do with Xavier."
Hardman was with the Jets for the first five weeks of the season and struggled to get on the field as a receiver. In New York, the speedster caught just one pass for six yards while being replaced on special teams by the undrafted free agent in Gipson.
He was later traded to the Chiefs and caught the game-winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl LVIII. After the season, Hardman made it clear that he would not return to the Jets as a pending free agent this offseason.
His comments surrounding his departure from Gang Green clearly caught the eye of the organization. Opposing teams are not allowed to speak to members of other organizations while still under contract, and if Hardman's comments Tuesday were treated as a source, the league could dock the Chiefs a draft pick in 2024 due to tampering charges.
While Douglas won't formally comment on if New York will openly ask the league to investigate the matter, the receiver's comments clearly are enough to potentially have the conversation begin.
Even if he tried to back-track hours later.
