Top Free Agent WR Comes Off the Board
Josh Frey
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Thus far into free agency, the Minnesota Vikings have not been especially active on the offensive side of the ball. However, one player that Minnesota has been connected to a few times is former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman. Now, though, it appears that one of the top free agent WRs has come off the board.
On Wednesday afternoon, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero announced that the New York Jets had come to an agreement with Hardman. Ian Rapoport then followed up by saying the deal was a one-year contract worth up to $6.5 million.
Hardman has become well-known across the league for being one of the fastest receivers we’ve seen. He recorded a blistering 4.33 40-yard dash during the combine in 2019, and to this point in his career, he’s totaled 151 receptions for 2,088 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. The receiver was at the peak of his powers in 2021, notching 693 receiving yards and a couple of touchdowns.
It appeared that Hardman was going to have an even better season in 2022, but an injury ended his season after just eight games. He ended up recording 25 receptions, 297 yards, and 4 TDs. Had he played all 17 games, this would have been a pace for about 53 receptions, 631 yards, and 9 TDs.
Now, the speedy WR joins the Jets, creating a fearsome receiver room that already landed Allen Lazard this offseason and also has a budding young star in Garrett Wilson. This news also comes in the aftermath of Aaron Rodgers’ announcement that he wants to be traded to the Jets. If Rodgers does in fact head to New York, he joins a team with arguably the strongest WR room that the veteran QB has played with in years.
In terms of remaining free agent wide receivers, the notable names include players like Odell Beckham, DJ Chark, and Jarvis Landry. Perhaps the Vikings could land one of these players to pair with Justin Jefferson, or they could go after a top WR in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.