Speedster Mecole Hardman rejoined the Chiefs this week following a trade with the Jets. Hardman was traded for a 2025 sixth-round pick after failing to get any playing time this season in New York.
The five-year vet is now looking to help out Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense, which has lacked explosiveness and has begged for a reliable receiver option all season.
FAMILIARITY WITH MAHOMES
Mecole Hardman was a tertiary weapon for Mahomes during his four-year stint with the Chiefs. Hardman was stuck behind Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce on the pecking order but could post viable fantasy outputs on occasion.
Prior to an injury in 2022, Hardman was on a strong four-game stretch and cementing himself as one of Mahomes favorite targets. From week 5-9 (4 games), seven of his 22 targets came in the red zone.
Hardman’s snap share was the only at 54.9%, but he saw the ball when he was on the field. Hardman’s familiarity with the offense and Mahomes will benefit him in his return.
TALENT
Hardman was a speedster coming out of Georgia, running a 4.33 40-yard dash and posting a 77 percentile speed score. The Chiefs need somebody to make explosive plays in the passing game for this offense, and Hardman looks like he can fill that role again.
Hardman will bring another dynamic and a familiar face to this Chiefs offense that has lacked since his departure last year.
WHY YOU SHOULD STASH HARDMAN
The Chiefs offense has still been great all season. But, with a banged-up Kelce and a revolving door of insignificant wide receivers, Hardman has an opportunity to be Mahomes’ second target in this offense. MVS and Skyy Moore have been non-factors in this offense almost all season, Kadarius Toney hasn’t seen a game over 35 receiving yards, and Rashee Rice is underutilized.
Hardman will bring a spark to this offense that it has been missing. Although the Chiefs still rank high in explosive plays this season (6th) it’s been more in part to Isiah Pacheco and the run game. Hardman is expected to play this week against the Chargers, so stash him before kickoff on Sunday and hope for the best.
