A surprise reunion opportunity has opened up after the surprise news that former Kansas City Chiefs return man and receiver Mecole Hardman has been released. Yahoo! Sports reported the Buffalo Bills had turned the page after signing the veteran on November 10th. This was after another failed tenure with Hardman and the Green Bay Packers parting ways earlier in the season. With this in mind, it is clear Hardman's value around the league has never been lower.
This opens up the chance for the Chiefs to reunite with Hardman in the final week of the season, giving fans at least some reason to tune in. The fan-favorite will always be beloved for making the game-winning catch in Super Bowl LVIII. Adding the receiver now not only gives fans a reason to look forward to the game but also allows Kansas City to claim and evaluate Hardman as a possible 2026 option.
There really isn't a downside to bringing in a familiar piece whose value around the league appears to be incredibly low. Kansas City not only understands the potential value but also has the need. Nikko Remigio has handled an underwhelming return game, while the Chiefs' receiver depth has been increasingly frustrating as well. Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster are noticeably a step slower and lack the big-play ability Hardman has always brought.
Chiefs Remain Logical Landing Spot for Mecole Hardman in Week 18 or in 2026 Offseason
Taking this a step further, even if Kansas City doesn't want to bring Hardman in for the final week of the season, an offseason reunion makes a great deal of sense. Hardman is a proven winner who has previously earned the trust of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. Having this option at the bottom of your depth chart at receiver, as well as a new return option, is the best-case scenario for both sides.
Hardman will be well within Kansas City's limited budget following the veteran being released by two separate teams during the 2025 season. There will likely be limited interest in a receiver who simply hasn't proven much over the last two seasons. This opens the door for the Chiefs to find a bargain in a player who is still only 27, leaving every reason to believe in a possible resurgence.
These are the exact type of moves that the Chiefs need to be making in the 2026 offseason, bringing in known pieces while looking to make a splash on defense and in Kansas City's backfield. With this in mind, Hardman's return seems incredibly likely, as the receiver needs the Chiefs just as badly as the franchise needs its depth improved.