Of all of the Kansas City Chiefs veterans who have been around for each Super Bowl victory, wide receiver Mecole Hardman often goes under the radar. Despite catching the game-winning TD in the Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Hardman isn't viewed in the same vein as some of the other guys who have been around for years.
By re-signing JuJu Smith-Schuster, the organization indicated that it's possible that Hardman wouldn't return. At 27 years old with six years of professional experience, Hardman is a versatile weapon though not overly necessary for the team's success.
It'd be a benefit to keep him in the locker room should he not find suitors elsewhere, though it sounds like Hardman could be on the verge of signing with a new team.
Veteran receivers Mecole Hardman and Rondale Moore visited the #Bears today.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2025
Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman Reportedly Visited With Bears on Monday
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Hardman visited the Chicago Bears on Monday. It's not clear whether or not any progress was done on a deal, though this is still a sign that Hardman is entertaining other teams.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has ties to Kansas City and knows Hardman, so a potential signing makes sense. Hardman was seldom used during 2024, playing just 14% of the offensive snaps, yet he still has clear value as a veteran familiar with the Chiefs' culture.
That said, it hasn't seemed that Kansas City is particularly interested in keeping him. Originally a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Hardman has been solid yet unexceptional during his tenure, but he's obviously come up with huge plays in the biggest moments.
It'd hurt to see Hardman go elsewhere. However, the Chiefs let him walk to the New York Jets previously before trading for him, potentially suggesting that they aren't over-the-moon about his prospects as a key contributor.
We'll see what happens, but it's becoming more likely that Hardman has already played his final down as a Chief.