Following his selection by the Kansas City Chiefs as the 56th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Mecole Hardman quickly established a strong connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This powerful combination was crucial to the Chiefs’ success in securing back-to-back Super Bowl wins.
A pay increase for Mahomes following Super Bowl LVIII further cemented his dedication to the Chiefs for the foreseeable future. Yet, for the standout receiver, the future seems uncertain following four influential years with the Chiefs, raising doubts about his tenure in Kansas City.
Is Mecole Hardman entering NFL free agency?
Mecole Hardman is poised to hit the free agency market when the new league year kicks off in March, offering him the opportunity to explore options beyond the Kansas City Chiefs, per Fox News. The receiver faces a decision to either re-sign with the Chiefs or consider offers from other teams.
It appears that Hardman’s time in Kansas City came to an end last season when he signed a contract with the New York Jets. However, his time with the Jets was brief, with only five game appearances. In October, he returned to the Chiefs after they traded a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-rounder to bring back their experienced player.
Hardman showcased his skill set during the playoffs with five receptions for 62 yards and a pivotal touchdown. His postseason performance reached its peak in the Super Bowl, solidifying his place in history.
In the final play of the season, Hardman connected with quarterback Patrick Mahomes in overtime, securing the Chiefs’ 25-22 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Mecole Hardman Jr rejects Jets return
Mecole Hardman’s future with the Chiefs is filled with uncertainty, but the receiver is determined not to allow previous errors to shape his future. When faced with the prospect of going back to New York, Hardman firmly rejected the idea of getting back together with the Jets, bluntly stating, “No. I won’t go back to the Jets.”
His solid position indicates that he wants to stay with the Chiefs. When questioned about the possibility of going back to Kansas City, Hardman gave a mysterious answer, suggesting that his fate with the Chiefs depends on their desire to keep him.
Hardman got just 28 snaps and caught a single pass during his brief stint with the Jets. His offensive involvement expanded with his return to Kansas City, as he caught 14 passes for 118 yards. This change in performance underscores his importance to the Chiefs and prompts speculation about the team’s plans for the next season.
Chiefs player Chris Jones also expressed a desire to stick with the team after their back-to-back Super Bowl victories. The Chiefs exercised the contract option for Jones and provided lucrative incentives.
It will be interesting to see what the Chiefs end up doing with Hardman.
