Chiefs Roster: Mecole Hardman re-signs; here are 3 reasons why

On Thursday morning, it was reported that the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs had been re-signing vast receiver Mecole Hardman — an unrestricted free agent for the second consecutive offseason. Final 12 months, he signed with the New York Jets earlier than returning to the Chiefs in a mid-season commerce.

After an unspectacular season during which he appeared in solely six video games, he made two of the Chiefs’ largest offensive performs throughout Tremendous Bowl LVIII — together with the game-winning landing. His postseason affect confirmed how the group had missed Hardman’s velocity and playmaking.

With the group’s signing of free-agent Hollywood Brown — and the collection of Xavier Worthy within the first spherical of the NFL Draft — it appeared just like the Chiefs had been transferring on from Hardman. However three weeks into OTAs, one thing prompted Kansas Metropolis to convey him again.

Listed below are three the reason why the Chiefs might need made this transfer:

1. A scarcity of progress from Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore

The Chiefs’ offseason signings have put much less strain on Moore and Toney to be key members of the receiving corps. However it’s nonetheless vital that wideouts decrease on the depth chart are dependable pass-catchers. Hardman’s return might sign that neither participant has made a lot progress.

Final season, Moore registered a 53.5 passer ranking when focused. In his rookie season, it was simply 61.7. Ever since Moore arrived in Kansas Metropolis, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has had bother getting on the identical web page with him — and that didn’t enhance in 2023.

Toney’s points as a constant receiver had been a lot simpler to see final season — and he’s been absent from OTAs on each days reporters had been current. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy did say Toney is “particular” when he has the ball in his arms — but in addition famous how vital it’s for coaches to place him in the best place to succeed by not over-complicating issues.

So it might be that neither participant has made a very good first impression in the course of the offseason — so Hardman’s return improves the competitors for depth at slot receiver. Whereas all three can fill that spot, solely Hardman has game-breaking velocity. If Moore and Toney aren’t bettering, the group might take into account that velocity extra beneficial.

2. Insurance coverage for Xavier Worthy

Nobody exterior the group has but seen Worthy throughout OTAs. He tweaked his hamstring earlier than the Mayy 22 follow open to the media — and was nonetheless sidelined when reporters returned on Could 30.

This can be a affordable precaution. At this level, there isn’t a must push a soft-tissue damage. Nonetheless, Worthy will probably be an vital chess piece in Kansas Metropolis’s offense. His uncooked velocity will stretch defenses horizontally and vertically — identical to Hardman’s velocity throughout prior seasons.

With Brown (and tight finish Travis Kelce) projected to steer the group in receiving quantity, it’s additionally attainable that Worthy might start the season in a simplified function — simply as Hardman did as a rookie enjoying alongside Kelce and vast receiver Tyreek Hill. Worthy will have the ability to benefit from play designs and open areas in the identical manner — and possibly even to a higher extent. That is precisely why I described Worthy as a “souped-up Mecole Hardman” earlier than the draft.

However this will solely occur if he’s wholesome. If Worthy’s nagging hamstring continues into the season, Hardman is a pure candidate to fill his rookie function.

3. Accounting for Rashee Rice’s potential suspension

Rice led all Kansas Metropolis wideouts in slot snaps final season. It was the place he was most impactful as a playmaker, gaining yards after the catch and exhibiting off extra velocity than some had anticipated. However when the season begins, we don’t know if he will probably be accessible. He could possibly be serving a league suspension for his half in March’s six-vehicle accident in Dallas.

In that occasion, Worthy, Moore and Toney must step up. However as now we have seen, the Chiefs might really feel snug having a fourth participant accessible to try this — particularly a veteran who has been within the system for 5 seasons. Hardman, in spite of everything, is the one one of many 4 who performed throughout 2023’s playoff run.