Former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman has had a tough road attempting to find a landing spot in the 2025 season. Hardman started the year with the Green Bay Packers before failing to make the final roster and settling for a mid-season practice squad role with the Buffalo Bills. Even at this late stage of Hardman's career, it was jarring to see the receiver in a Buffalo uniform. However, it seems that the receiver's time with the Bills has gone just as horribly as you could imagine.
After a 61-yard kick return, Hardman fumbled a punt return in Week 11 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and would later suffer a calf injury. Now, the Bills have announced that Hardman has been placed on injured reserve, furthering the frustrating experience. Although Chiefs fans don't want the Bills to succeed, it is still sad to see Hardman sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Mecole Hardman's Bills Tenure Takes a Hit
Hardman is an important part of Chiefs history, enjoying solid seasons with the organization and cementing his legend by catching a game-winner in overtime of a Super Bowl. So, it isn't surprising that Kansas City fans are disappointed about his latest injury.
While the Chiefs could clearly use an additional playmaker, it was time to turn the page from Hardman this season. The speedy receiver simply doesn't offer the ceiling of Tyquan Thornton or Hollywood Brown. This is the most talented WR room that the Chiefs have had in quite some time, even if the recent offensive performance isn't reflective of this.
For the Chiefs, moving on from Hardman was a needed step, and his struggles since leaving Kansas City prove the front office made the right call. The Packers didn't deem the veteran capable of contributing to the final roster, and Hardman's most memorable moment as a Bill in the 2025 season is going to be a key fumble that helped open the game back up for the Bucs.
Regardless, Chiefs fans can't help but wish Hardman continued success, though they admittedly hope it comes in another uniform. The receiver even playing for a rival is a reminder of some of the best seasons in franchise history. The Georgia product might not be the best player to have ever donned a Kansas City uniform, but he's still a fan favorite, nonetheless.
Perhaps the Chiefs should consider adding Hardman to replace a special teams depth piece in the 2026 offseason, giving the receiver a chance to retire with a team he helped define. Or at least bounce back from this year's woes. Regardless, there is no debating that Hardman's time in Buffalo has been a complete failure, leaving time to tell if he'll ever get back on track before the season is over.