The Chiefs recently made the decision to bring back wide receiver Mecole Hardman and a 2025 7th round draft pick from the Jets in exchange for a 2025 6th round draft pick. Hardman spent 2019-2022 with the Chiefs as a gadget-type receiver and returner, racking up 2,088 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns off 151 receptions. He also made a Pro Bowl as a return specialist while with Kansas City and won 2 Super Bowls. In New York, he was utilized very, very little, racking up just 6 yards off 1 reception. He now comes back to the team that he has spent the majority of his career with for a sort of career revival. Given the Chiefs' struggles at wide receiver, the move makes sense, but is it the right one?
Not only that though, but per Carrington Harrison, Frank Clark will be in town Thursday to have a physical with the Chiefs, meaning that, in all likelihood, the Chiefs will get him back as well. Clark also spent 2019-2022 with the Chiefs, racking up 23.5 sacks, 127 tackles, 6 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception. He has also struggled after leaving Kansas City though, totaling just 2 tackles in 6 games with Denver. He will, if he is signed of course, be a rotational piece on a deep defensive line also getting Charles Omenihu back from suspension. Adding him could have a ton of potential, but again, is it the right move?
For Mecole, I think this move, among all else, is very telling of what the front office thinks of Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney, players that fit Hardman's build and skillset. I had to have some time to think with this move, but neither have been playing spectacularly so far and while Hardman had his flaws, certainly didn't play horribly. Could have been better, yes, but he outplayed the guys the Chiefs have right now. He showed he can be a deep threat while also being a gadget guy and while undersized, has a ton of speed and has been in this Chiefs offense before. He has trust with Mahomes too, which counts for something and I think, has been one of the main problems with this corps. While I do not think he will be an immediate wide receiver 2, he has the ability to work his way up into that role and perhaps (if Rashee Rice doesn't pan out which I think he will.) even into wide receiver 1 territory, at least with this group. This move also helps compensate for the injury to Justin Watson. Overall, the stats speak for themselves, and if Hardman can come back and be the guy he was for the Chiefs, that will be pretty big, in all honesty. Plus some depth help makes this move all the better.
For Frank Clark, I love this move. Adding another piece to an already deep defensive line that has been very good this year doesn't hurt, you can't have too much pass rush and adding a guy who can flat out PLAY when he wants to in Frank Clark will pay dividends. A lot of people that are complaining about this move I feel aren't looking deep enough into it, because this is a move that could make this unit the best in the NFL if Clark brings his best to the table.
However, what do you all think? Will these moves help the Chiefs win games more convincingly? Are these moves that will win them playoff games enroute to another Super Bowl? Let me know in the comments below!
Burn Notice: 9/10 We got some fire deals going!