Five-year veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman signed a new contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Hardman, a former second-round pick, spent the 2023 season with the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets.
Breaking: The #Chiefs are re-signing WR Mecole Hardman, per source.
Kansas City’s Super Bowl Hero returns. pic.twitter.com/YXvJZopOWW
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 6, 2024
Mecole Hardman, Chiefs, Agree to Contract
Wide receiver Mecole Hardman began the 2023 season playing for the New York Jets on a one-year contract. Signed to team up with Aaron Rodgers, this plan backfired after the quarterback tore his Achilles just four snaps into the regular season. With Rodgers sidelined, Hardman didn’t do much of anything for New York. In total, he appeared in just six games while making one reception for six yards before the Jets traded him back to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hardman didn’t set the world on fire in Kansas City, but he was a decent depth piece with an established rapport with Patrick Mahomes. In six regular season games, the former second-round pick recorded 14 receptions for 118 yards on 21 targets. Hardman also played a pivotal role in the Chiefs postseason run, hauling in the game-winning touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
Mecole Hardman originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Selected by the Kansas City Chiefs, the speedy Georgia product began his career as a depth piece and primary returner. Appearing in all 16 games, the wideout recorded 26 receptions for 538 yards and six touchdowns while earning a Pro Bowl nomination for his work on special teams. With his help, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs hoisted the first Lombardi Trophy of the Andy Reid era.
Hardman returned to the Chiefs in 2020 and had a similar season. Appearing in 16 games while making eight starts, the wideout finished with 41 receptions for 560 yards and two touchdowns. He followed this up with a career-best season in 2021, recording 59 receptions for 693 yards and two scores. However, injuries struck in 2022, limiting him to just eight games, 25 receptions, and 297 yards.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA Today Sports
