The Las Vegas Raiders are fresh off a humiliating 0-31 blowout against the Kansas City Chiefs, where they racked up as many offensive snaps as the Chiefs had first downs. Their answer to fix their offense? Tryouts. They even brought in a familiar face: a three-timer Super Bowl winner with Kansas City, who somehow didn’t cut.

According to Raiders Insider Ryan McFadden, “Former Chiefs and Jets wide receiver Mecole Hardman was among the players who had a try out with Raiders today, per the league’s transaction wire.”

He mentioned that WR DJ Turner and Guard Layden Robinson also worked out with the team and ended up signing with the practice squad. Hardman? Not so lucky. It’s a pretty steep drop-off for someone who, just a few years ago, was catching passes from Patrick Mahomes in the biggest game of the year.

Hardman was taken in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Chiefs, viewed as the speedy insurance policy for Tyreek Hill. He never became a star, but he played his role. And of course, collected three rings along the way. He even caught the game-winning TD in overtime against the 49ers.

He played 75 games, starting 28, and hauled in 177 receptions on 247 targets for 2,296 yards, averaging 12.6 yards per catch with 16 receiving touchdowns. His rushing game was far less intimidating, accumulating 26 rushing attempts for 190 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Notably, he earned a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors in his rookie season after recording 26 catches for 538 yards and six receiving touchdowns.

Hardman’s brief stint with the Jets in 2023 was largely unremarkable. In five games, he caught just one pass for six yards and saw minimal involvement in the offense. He did not start any games and had no touchdowns during his time in New York, highlighting the challenges of adjusting to a new system mid-season.

Hardman returned to Kansas City later in 2023, appearing in six games. He added 15 receptions for 124 yards, showing the explosiveness that defined his earlier tenure.

Still, his 2024 season with the Chiefs was rough, with only 12 receptions for 90 yards. He bet on himself with the Packers this past offseason but couldn’t crack their final roster. You can chalk that up to Green Bay’s loaded receiving group. They’ve got Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden. But failing to make even the Raiders’ practice squad? That’s rough.

Especially when their receiver room has been one of the worst in the league. Tre Tucker leads the team with just 389 yards, and Jakobi Meyers has reportedly requested a trade. The bar’s not exactly high in Vegas right now. So, is there any team in the league that could go for Mecole Hardman?

Jets can be the ideal destination for Hardman

Well, if there’s one team desperate enough to roll the dice, it’s the 0–7 Jets. Their offense has been historically bad. One of the worst units we’ve seen in football this year. Their defense has allowed just 13 points in each of the last two games, and the offense still couldn’t get the job done.

Given Hardman’s familiarity with the Jets’ system (even if limited) and his proven explosiveness with the Chiefs, a short-term or depth role is plausible. However, he would likely not be viewed as a primary option immediately.

And look, Justin Fields has been a big letdown. Racking up four touchdowns in five games doesn’t really live up to the offseason hype. Sure, he’s not getting any help from the Jets’ pass rush, which has allowed their quarterback to be sacked 31 times this season. But his receivers aren’t giving him anything either.

Garrett Wilson is doing everything he can. He’s racked up 36 catches on 56 targets for 395 yards and four touchdowns. Both Mason Taylor and Breece Hall have been let down. The lack of depth is pretty concerning.

At least the Raiders have two dependable receivers in Meyers and Tucker. The Jets? They’re down to one reliable receiver. What happens if Wilson is sidelined? It probably cannot get any worse, but the point still stands. A move for Mecole Hardman has zero downside. He’d come in cheap; he’s experienced and desperate for a shot. For a team that’s already hit rock bottom offensively, there’s nowhere to go but up.