The Buffalo Bills are reportedly signing veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman to their practice squad, according to a report by ESPN. This addition has not yet been confirmed by the team.
Bills Acquire Veteran Receiver Mecole Hardman
If finalized, Hardman will become the fastest receiver on the Bills’ roster. His speed was a key factor during his six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Most recently, the 27-year-old had a stint with the Green Bay Packers during training camp, where he eventually was placed on the practice squad. However, he was released on September 23.
Career Highlights and Stats
- Second-round draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019.
- Winner of three Super Bowl championships.
- Played 80 games in the NFL, amassing:
- 178 receptions on 258 targets
- 2,302 receiving yards
- 16 receiving touchdowns
- 190 rushing yards on 26 attempts with 3 rushing touchdowns
- Special teams experience with average returns of:
- 9.2 yards on 89 punt returns
- 23.8 yards on 45 kickoff returns
Hardman would bring an important skill set to the Bills’ offense, offering the ability to stretch the field vertically. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility as both a boundary and slot receiver. Against the Bills, he had notable performances, catching 14 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown in five regular-season games. In four playoff encounters, he recorded four receptions for 32 yards and four rushes for 80 yards.
Future Prospects
In 2023, Hardman signed with the New York Jets but struggled to find his role in the team. He only played five games before being traded back to the Chiefs, where he concluded the season.
The Buffalo Bills have another intriguing receiver on their practice squad, Gabe Davis, who recently resumed practice after recovering from knee surgery. Coach Sean McDermott has indicated that the team is evaluating Davis’ potential elevation to the active roster, which could help address the Bills’ struggling passing game. “We’ll see. It’s been nice getting him back healthy again but that’s the part we have to make sure of before we take another step,” McDermott stated.
With the addition of Mecole Hardman, the Bills are making strategic moves to enhance their offensive capabilities and special teams proficiency.
