The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back Mecole Hardman once again in 2024.
The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back wide receiver Mecole Hardman for a sixth NFL season, according to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero.
Hardman was originally drafted by the Chiefs in 2019 in the second round and played out his rookie deal through the 2022 season. Last year, he signed a free agent deal with the New York Jets but was hardly used to start the season and was a healthy scratch after the first few weeks. The Chiefs traded back for him given their own wide receiver troubles before last season's NFL trade deadline.
Bringing back Hardman last season did little to cure the position's ills, however, since Hardman was oft-injured upon his return to the team. He played only six games and started two of them and had 14 catches for 118 receiving yards to show for it.
The return of Hardman makes the competition a bit tougher for players who were already labeled as a potential disappointment, although Hardman might not be guaranteed a roster spot himself. Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney and others are also expecting reps which could make the preseason interesting for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs have indicated they were looking for potential veteran depth at wide receiver this spring by looking at free agent Zay Jones when he became available after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones ultimately signed with the Arizona Cardinals after taking a free agent tour of multiple teams, including the Chiefs.