A New York Jets insider claims that rumors former player Mecole Hardman leaked some of the team’s game plans before finding his way off the roster and back to the Kansas City Chiefs were backed up by some inside the organization.
After playing his first four seasons in the NFL with the Chiefs, one-time Pro Bowler Mecole Hardman was sent packing by the organization to the Jets in an offseason trade last year. The wide receiver hoped that some new surroundings could take him to new heights but the 25-year-old wore out his welcome quickly and was sent back to KC after six weeks.
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Well, on Wednesday Hardman revealed in former NFL star Ryan Clark’s “Pivot Podcast” that he did all he could to find his way out of New York after he claimed the team lied about how they would use him. The talented return man said he refused to return punts against his former team, had reached out to Chiefs general manager Matt Veach and quarterback Patrick Mahomes about a return, and that the offense was disorganized and poorly run.
However, after the podcast made headlines several players on the team — including star cornerback Sauce Gardner — implied they felt Hardman actually leaked game plans to opponents during the season. Following the shocking news, SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes added more information on the alleged leaks.
“I’m told there was a validated belief from the Jets that WR Mecole Hardman, frustrated by his lack of usage, leaked game plans to the opposition, as implied by several players (Sauce Gardner, Kenny Yeboah) today,” Hughes wrote in a post on X.
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Hardman will now go down in Kansas City Chiefs lore after catching the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII earlier this month. However, he will now live in infamy with New York Jets fans. It is unclear if the leaking rumors could lead to any punishment for Mecole Hardman from the NFL.