A prominent source speculates that the Buffalo Bills may include free agent Mecole Hardman in their wide receiver group in 2024, when the team’s roster is expected to change. Josh Allen has to settle for tight end Dalton Kincaid, second-round selection Keon Coleman, veterans Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir, and Gabriel Davis after dealing Stefon Diggs and losing him to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though far from the weakest team in the league, this one might not be good enough to compete with the NFL’s other top passing offenses.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling was signed by the organization to a low-risk one-year contract, but Buffalo may add another speedster. As possible depth, the Bills may consider free agency wide receiver Mecole Hardman, according to a recent Bleacher Report piece.
It’s possible that the Bills overestimated their necessity at receiver. Following a season in which he caught 39 of his 45 targets for 611 yards, Khalil Shakir might have a breakout season. Coleman has the potential to develop into a top receiver, which would make them a potent duo. However, adding a cheap veteran like Mecole Hardman—who serves as an extra vertical threat—wouldn’t hurt.
Buffalo Bills and Mecole Hardman, a free agent, are connected
Following one of the most intriguing seasons you’ll ever witness, Mecole Hardman became a free agent. The veteran was cut by the Jets after just five games, one reception, and two (said to have been) leaked gameplans. He had originally signed a one-year contract with the team. The Kansas City Chiefs, who were in dire need of a receiver, signed the former second-round pick, and he immediately made an impact on the team. Despite continuing to be a backup option in the passing attack, Hardman scored the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII to cap off the season.
Mecole Hardman and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, if they sign as free agents, will essentially fight for the same position as the offense’s one-dimensional deep threat. Although neither player is very precise or subtle, they have the ability to extend the field vertically. Josh Allen possesses the greatest arm in the game and can cover any part of the field, so fortunately, defenses have to respect his speed. Their speed should open up underneath throws for Samuel and Shakir if safeties are playing deep.
Mecole Hardman won’t cost the earth to sign, but the Bills shouldn’t be the only team vying for the free agent. These five franchises ought to be eager to test-drive the Georgia product, even if he has to settle for a veteran minimum deal.
