Among the Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver lineup, Mecole Hardman’s contributions have often flown under the radar. Despite ongoing challenges in the team’s receiving corps, with injuries sidelining notable players like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore, Hardman has consistently delivered in a supportive role.
After joining the Chiefs as a second-round pick in 2019, Hardman initially held high expectations as a deep threat but later found himself in a reduced role. After a short stint with the New York Jets, the Chiefs brought him back last fall through a minor trade and re-signed him on a one-year deal this past offseason. Today, his duties are primarily as a punt returner and occasional offensive contributor, but his efforts are still crucial.
In the Chiefs’ recent overtime win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hardman showcased his reliability. He had three catches on all three targets, totaling 17 yards, providing Patrick Mahomes with a dependable option. Hardman’s impact was felt on special teams, too, as he averaged a career-high 12.5 yards per punt return this season, with a pivotal 33-yard return against the Bucs that set up a scoring drive.
While his stats may not be flashy, Hardman’s contributions have been valuable, both in field position gains and as a steady presence amidst the Chiefs’ wider receiver struggles. His ability to make the most of limited touches on offense and special teams deserves more recognition for helping keep Kansas City competitive.
