The biggest surprise of the Kansas City Chiefs' final 53-man roster was the decision to keep eight receivers. Even after trading Skyy Moore, the franchise opted to give Jason Brownlee, Nikko Remigio, and Tyquan Thornton roster spots. What was expected to be a single spot turned into all the camp and preseason standouts being given an initial chance on the roster. However, that could quickly change with a familiar name hitting the market.
Mecole Hardman's time with the Packers came to an abrupt end on Tuesday, with the veteran becoming a surprise roster cut. It makes sense for both sides to consider a reunion with the pending suspension of Rashee Rice. Hardman is a respected former Chief who will forever be a franchise legend thanks to his Super Bowl-winning catch.
It is more than this moment, however, that makes a reunion ideal for both sides. Reid has always gotten the best out of the veteran, and there is already a level of comfort and chemistry with Patrick Mahomes. Replacing either Brownlee or Remigio with the pass catcher could be a wise move ahead of the season opener on the road against the Chargers.
The Chiefs Should Consider a Reunion with Kansas City Legend Mecole Hardman
Having Hardman at the bottom of the depth chart brings a level of comfort and gives you another wrinkle when Rice is lost to suspension. The veteran receiver still offers above-average speed and is a proven commodity in a reserve role. Chiefs fans aren't expecting the receiver to be an elite threat, but simply a consistent depth option.
This is a role Hardman has thrived in before and brings far more proven upside than the trio of options currently at the position. The one counter to this is the fact that the Chiefs made room on the roster to further explore each of the young receivers' potential impact. Pivoting away from either Brownlee or Remigio is difficult after handing the pass catcher a chance.
Still, Hardman's fit and proven history with the franchise cannot be completely ignored. It makes sense to at least consider the move and look at who might be the odd man out if a reunion were to happen. Another potential avenue is waiting for Hardman to become a free agent and seeing if the veteran is interested in a practice squad deal with the expectation of being elevated the moment Rice is suspended. No matter how it happens, the Chiefs must explore a reunion with the Super Bowl champ.