10 Chiefs Entering Their Final Season With Kansas City
5. Mecole Hardman, WR
Mecole Hardman was one of the Chiefs' later offseason signs, returning to the franchise on a one-year contract signed in June. Aside from a brief stint with the New York Jets, Hardman has spent the majority of his six-year career with Kansas City.
Hardman is one of the quickest receivers in the league, but he's also one of the more inconsistent ones on the Chiefs roster. The former Georgia playmaker tends to disappear for a few weeks at a team, playing a key reason why he only finished the 2023 campaign with 118 receiving yards without a touchdown in 12 games.
Although his play improved after his return to Kansas City (which included the game-winning touchdown at Super Bowl LVIII), it isn't certain that Hardman will remain in town beyond this season. The 26-year-old wideout needs to find a way to take his game to the next level after failing to hit the 500-yard mark in back-to-back years.
"A lot of plays left to be made."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 25, 2021
"You're gonna make a play in this game."
Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes kept Mecole Hardman's head up after his muffed punt.
He scored a TD the very next drive 👏 (via @insidetheNFL)pic.twitter.com/DyfPgHbLeb
Is Hardman a solid returner? Yes. Does he show flashes of potential as a downfield threat? Yes, but the Chiefs also have several wideouts on their roster who can handle Hardman's responsibilities and then some.
It's time for the ex-Bulldog to step up or step aside.