Bills Part Ways with Veteran Receiver Hardman; Chiefs Among Possible Suitors
The Buffalo Bills are releasing wide receiver and return specialist Mecole Hardman Jr., according to a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Hardman, 28, has played seven NFL seasons with the Chiefs, Jets, and Bills. A return to Kansas City or a team needing punt-return help, such as Green Bay, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles, could be his next stop.
Hardman, a 2019 second-round pick, spent his first five seasons with Kansas City, winning two Super Bowls before brief stints with the Jets and Bills. His release comes as teams finalize 53-man rosters. Known for speed and punt-return ability, he could fill a need for clubs like Green Bay, Las Vegas, or the Chargers, who struggled in that phase last year. A reunion with the Chiefs, where he had his best years, remains plausible.
Hardman's release reflects the NFL's constant roster churn, impacting veteran players and teams seeking special-teams upgrades. For fans, his next signing could shift return-game dynamics, while for the player, it's a chance to extend his career. The Chiefs' potential interest highlights how familiarity and playoff experience remain valued, but no outcome is guaranteed. This move may also signal the Bills' confidence in younger receivers.