Buffalo Bills wide receiver and return specialist Mecole Hardman Jr. is reportedly on his way out of Buffalo after the team decided to release him, a move that opens the door for his return to the Kansas City Chiefs. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bills plan to cut ties with the 28-year-old veteran following a brief stint in Buffalo last season. The news comes despite Hardman’s struggles to secure a roster spot during training camp and the team’s search for a replacement for his return duties.
The Bills originally brought Hardman back to the roster in late August after he spent time on their practice squad. He appeared in two regular-season games for the team but did not record a catch. Hardman did return two punts for four yards and a 61-yard kick return during that span. In the postseason, he added one catch for four yards and a touchdown, along with a 22-yard kick return.
Hardman has played seven NFL seasons with the Chiefs, Jets, and Bills. He originally entered the league as a second-round draft pick by Kansas City in 2019. During his rookie campaign, he earned Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro honors thanks to a 26.1-yard average on kick returns and one return touchdown. He also topped 500 receiving yards in each of his first three professional seasons.
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Hardman is best known for his contributions to the Chiefs’ championship run, including the game-winning touchdown reception in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers. Across 82 career regular-season games, he has caught 178 passes for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has also rushed for three scores and added a touchdown on both kick and punt returns.
Options for the Free Agent
While Hardman is leaving Buffalo, a reunion with the Chiefs remains a possibility. A third stint in Kansas City would allow Hardman to return to a system where he has previously thrived. Another potential landing spot includes the Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, or Los Angeles Chargers, all of whom struggled with punt returns during the 2024 season.
Hardman’s departure from the Bills was likely influenced by their roster composition. Buffalo already has a First Team All-Pro kick returner in running back Ray Davis, though Davis has not shown a strong propensity for punting. Davis even muffed a punt during the Steelers’ preseason finale, leading to speculation that Hardman could have secured the role. The Bills are now tasked with finding a different answer for the return spot on the active roster.
