Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman has become a vital member of the team's dynasty that has won three Super Bowl titles over the last five seasons.
Initially chosen by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 56th overall pick, Hardman wasted no time making his mark in his rookie year.
His standout performances earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, along with recognition as a Second-team All-Pro and selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the Chiefs' triumphant journey to their first Super Bowl victory of the century during that season.
After helping the Chiefs win their second Super Bowl of the decade in the 2022 campaign, the team let him walk via free agency. The New York Jets subsequently signed him on a one-year deal.
Nevertheless, the Jets opted to trade him back to the Chiefs amid the 2023 campaign due to Hardman's limited playing time within the first month of the season. As part of the trade, the Jets included their 2025 seventh-round pick, receiving the Chiefs' 2025 sixth-round pick in return.
Hardman continued to be a contributor for Kansas City. In Super Bowl 58, he caught the game-winning touchdown from quarterback Patrick Mahomes to defeat the San Francisco 49ers in overtime and seal their third Super Bowl title of the decade.
Let's look at Mecole Hardman's contract, career earnings, and salary.
Mecole Hardman's Contract: $6.5 million
In the offseason leading up to the 2023 NFL campaign, Hardman entered into a one-year agreement with the New York Jets, valued at $6.5 million.
The deal includes a guaranteed base salary of a minimum of $1.08 million. Additionally, he receives slightly over $24,705 for every game in which he is active. The contract also features $2 million in incentives for achievements such as touchdowns, catches, yards, or playoff performances.
The deal continued to be in effect even after the midseason trade that sent him back to the Chiefs.
Before signing his 2023 contract, Mecole Hardman had been under a four-year deal with the Chiefs, totaling $4,995,052 for the initial four seasons of his professional career. This arrangement gave him an annual average salary of $1,248,763 from 2019 to 2022.
Mecole Hardman's Career Earnings
After the 2023 NFL season, Mecole Hardman is anticipated to have accumulated $11.93 million in NFL salary over his five seasons in the league, as reported by Spotrac.
This disclosed amount does not include supplementary earnings from off-field engagements like endorsements and partnerships. Additionally, it does not factor in deductions related to taxes, agent fees, and other business-related expenses.
Following his involvement in one of the most historic plays in NFL history during Super Bowl 58, Hardman could secure a massive payday as he enters free agency after the season, especially given his relatively young age of 25.
Mecole Hardman Salary 2023-24
During the 2023 NFL season, Mecole Hardman garnered a total salary of approximately $4 million while playing for both the Jets and the Chiefs, as reported by Over The Cap.
His signing bonus amounted to $2.5 million, fully covered by the Jets. Additionally, he received a $500,000 workout bonus.
Breaking down his base salary, which totaled $1.08 million for the season and was split between the two teams he played for in 2023, the Jets contributed $360,000, while the Chiefs shelled out $720,000.
Furthermore, Hardman's contract has a Per Game Active Bonus totaling $24,705 per contest. Incentives covered the rest of the amount.
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