Bills Predicted to Release Former Super Bowl Hero

The Buffalo Bills, in pursuit of their maiden Super Bowl victory, may be forced to release a three-time champion. According to NFL.com writer Kevin Patra, wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. could be among those cut before Sunday's 53-man roster deadline. Patra also suggests the team might reduce the roster size by releasing edge rusher Michael Danna and safety Geno Stone.

Hardman, who hasn't excelled as a receiver and has made several preseason drops, is particularly vulnerable. The Bills' experimentation with Ray Davis as a punt returner could jeopardize Hardman's primary position. If the team is content with its other punt returning options, Hardman may seek employment elsewhere. Hardman joined the Bills' practice squad late last season, where he didn't record a catch in either of his two appearances but did return a kickoff 61 yards in a Week 11 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A 2019 second-round pick from Georgia, Hardman was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie, accumulating 704 kick-return yards. He ended that successful campaign by winning a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs. Subsequently, he became a pivotal player in Kansas City's offense, recording a career-high 59 catches and 693 receiving yards in 2021.

Hardman scored his second of four postseason touchdowns in an AFC Championship Game defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals. After signing a one-year deal with the New York Jets, the Chiefs re-signed Hardman during the 2023 season. He then delivered a career-defining moment for the Chiefs in the decisive overtime of Super Bowl LVIII, where Patrick Mahomes connected with Hardman for a 3-yard touchdown, securing the victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Hardman amassed 152 scrimmage yards throughout the 2024 season before joining the Bills last year. However, his status on Buffalo's active roster remains uncertain.