Good news for Kansas City Chiefs: He is back..

The former second-round selection had an inconsistent rookie deal with the Chiefs, which ended in 2023. At times, he seemed like a good addition, but other times, he didn’t seem to advance and seemed to be locked into a specific position within the offense. After ultimately signing with the New York Jets, he was dealt back to Kansas City a few weeks into the regular season.

Hardman’s second stint with the Chiefs was just as turbulent as the first, which may have served as a summary of his career thus far. However, it concluded with great success, so going into the offseason, he may feel content. Talking on Tuesday at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, head coach Andy

“Yeah, so listen, I’m not saying anything about the Jets because everybody doesn’t fit into every situation,” stated Reid. “In this league, that’s just not how things operate. Mecole has been with us before, so we know roughly how he fits into the plan, and he performed admirably in that role. He arrived, worked diligently, and produced results for us. He experienced a few early setbacks, but he overcame them. We were certain he would. And in the Super Bowl, he ultimately produced some outstanding plays.”

It appears that Hardman has no idea what is ahead for him. He said on NFL Network just last week that “we’ll see” whether the Chiefs want him back. “If not, it might be somewhere else,” he said.

Going back to Kansas City makes a lot of sense, particularly if Hardman’s future role is to be somewhat diminished. Speaking after Reid at the Combine, general manager Brett Veach stated that the team will approach wide receiver “much like any position” on the roster this offseason.

Hardman wouldn’t be asked to fit in there, but changes ought to be coming at or close to the top. Veach expressed his satisfaction with his 2019 opening draft choice, suggesting that communication between the organization and Hardman’s agent is about to happen.

“Yeah, we’ll get the chance to meet with him and his agent,” Veach replied. “I adore Mecole. We wouldn’t be against taking that route if there was a chance that made sense for both him and us. When you have a player who has experience with this offense and is familiar with all the play checks, dialogue, and lingo, that’s why, last year, when we were short on options at the trade deadline, that one just sort of opened up where the cost wasn’t too high and our coaches knew him, he knew us, and it worked out. I’m so happy for him with his final performance. How things have changed for him. Love Mecole, and you can trust

As Veach pointed out, familiarity isn’t inherently negative. The Chiefs’ recent playoffs run is proof that role players can have an impact on postseasons. Both parties seem willing want Hardman to end up back where it all began, regardless of the possibility of that occurring. Relationships are more crucial than ever in sports, so keep an eye on that in the upcoming days and weeks.