Kansas City Chiefs top-5 free agents in 2023
By Randy Gurzi
4. Mecole Hardman, WR
In 2019, the Kansas City Chiefs added Mecole Hardman in the second round of the NFL Draft. The Georgia product was a speedy wideout but also stood out as a return man. In fact, he even made the Pro Bowl as a rookie when he had 704 yards and a touchdown as a kick returner.
Since that season, he’s continued to show flashes of his playmaking ability but has yet to put it all together. That doesn’t mean he’s been a bust because he hasn’t.
Hardman has constantly been a weapon and has 151 receptions for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has another two touchdowns as a runner and two as a return man.
With Tyreek Hill sent to Miami, Hardman had a huge opportunity in front of him this year but that was put on hold when an abdomen injury sent him to the IR. He was brought back for the playoffs and recorded two receptions and two rushes for a total of 17 yards in the win over Cincinnati.
Hardman is a major weapon when healthy and the Chiefs would surely love to bring him back for another season, or more. Perhaps he signs a one-year deal to try and prove this year was a fluke, but there’s also a huge chance that someone overpays to add his game-changing speed.