The expectations are different heading into mandatory minicamp for Kansas City Chiefs receivers this year.
The recent parting of ways with Tyreek Hill has opened opportunities for young talent to step up and fill that role. Mecole Hardman is being looked at again as the receiver to step in as a primary target for Patrick Mahomes. The speedy receiver is entering his fourth season with the Chiefs and is facing a make-or-break year that could determine his future with the team.
Hardman is entering his contract year in 2022, potentially with the chance to earn big money next offseason. While a new contract is something in the back of his mind, especially with the lucrative market for receivers, Hardman is out to do his job and let everything else fall into place.
“Yeah, definitely moved around and it definitely set a market too,” Hardman said. “But I think those things right there just come over time. I feel like if you think about it too early, it usually doesn’t pan out so well. So I think he just, you know, it’s in the back of your head. You just try to perform well and get that contract, but overall, you just want to take it one day at a time and just be the best player that you can be. Whatever happens, happens. That will control itself.”
Hardman is the longest-tenured receiver in Kansas City. As a result, all the newcomers in the receiver room will look to him for guidance. Players like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookies Skyy Moore and Justyn Ross. He is showing signs of accepting his role as a leader on offense, working to make others better on and off the field.
“That is crazy,” Hardman said of his new role. “Just telling them ‘Let’s come in here, let’s play ball, let’s do what we need to do. Let’s learn the plays, let’s learn each other, just build this chemistry, build this bond we need so when we’re out there on gameday. We know what we’re capable of doing, and we can depend on each other.’ That’s the best advice I can give them. They’ve been playing in this league long enough, so they know what to do. I don’t need to hold their hand. I think it’s going to be great to be out there with them, I think the chemistry is building every day, and we’re going to be fine.”
The shift in responsibility on and off the field will be an interesting test for Hardman this season. Should he rise to the occasion in both areas, he could very well secure a lucrative payday for himself down the road.
