NFL Trade Rumors: Kansas City Chiefs Re-Sign Speedy Wide Receiver Mecole Hardman

The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a familiar face. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs have resigned wide receiver (and Super Bowl hero) Mecole Hardman.

Breaking: The #Chiefs are re-signing WR Mecole Hardman, per source.

Kansas City’s Super Bowl Hero returns. pic.twitter.com/YXvJZopOWW
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 6, 2024

Hardman split time with the Chiefs and New York Jets last season, totalling 15 catches for 124 yards at a relatively unremarkable 5.2 yards per target over 11 regular season appearances. That didn't stop him from coming through in the clutch on football's biggest stage: Hardman nabbed three receptions for 57 yards in the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII triumph over the San Francisco 49ers, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime.

Hardman initially entered the league as the Chiefs' 56th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. At 5'10", 187 lbs, the Georgia prospect turned heads at the NFL Combine with blazing speed (4.33 40-yard dash) despite modest college production (950 receiving yards in 40 appearances). He never grew into a full-time starter, peaking in 2021 with 693 receiving yards. He signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Jets last offseason before eventually being traded back to the Chiefs in October.

Hardman should provide the Chiefs offense a bit of much-needed stability. After a hit-and-miss regular season in which they averaged 21.8 points per game, the Chiefs suddenly find themselves in a very volatile situation with their pass catchers. Last year's rookie phenom Rashee Rice is in legal trouble, and first-round pick Xavier Worthy is a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect currently battling injury. If the Chiefs want to win a third-straight championship, their offense must avoid further regression. At the very least, the Chiefs know what they're getting from Hardman.