Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is more than familiar with the inner workings of the Kansas City Chiefs—or at least those who were on the roster before he left to take a promotion in the Windy City. On Monday, he checked in with an old friend in the form of Mecole Hardman.
The Bears hosted Hardman on a free-agent visit on Monday, per NFL reporter Tom Pelissero.
Hardman wasn't the only wide receiver in Chicago to try to earn a contract. Free agent vet Rondale Moore was also on hand as the Bears decide who to add to their offense.
Ryan Poles knows what he's getting with a potential deal for Mecole Hardman.
Hardman is looking to land with his third NFL team overall after six seasons in the league. Hardman was the Chiefs' second-round pick in 2019 out of Georgia and has been with K.C. ever since, save for a short stint with the New York Jets in 2023 after signing with them on a one-year deal in free agency. The Chiefs dealt for Hardman before that season's trade deadline and went on to re-sign him again in '24.
Last season, Hardman had 12 catches for 90 yards on offense for the Chiefs, but he also added an experienced presence at returner with 20 punt returns and a 10.2 yards/return average. He's also quite capable of handling kick returns.
Should the Bears sign Hardman, they would be adding an experienced player with Super Bowl rings who is also still young enough to thrive on a new deal. Hardman just turned 27 years old and should be effective for 2025 and beyond.