Ben Johnson might have his eyes set on another former Super Bowl Champ with second free agent wide receiver set to visit with the Bears
Earlier on Monday, it was reported that the Chicago Bears were back in the wide receiver market to kick off the second week of free agency by hosting a visit with former second-round pick Rondale Moore.Well, it turns out Moore wasn't the only free agent wide receiver left on the market the Bears had their […]
Earlier on Monday, it was reported that the Chicago Bears were back in the wide receiver market to kick off the second week of free agency by hosting a visit with former second-round pick Rondale Moore.
Well, it turns out Moore wasn't the only free agent wide receiver left on the market the Bears had their eyes on.
NFL Media's Tom Pelissero added later in the day that Mecole Hardman also was expected to meet with the team in Chicago.
If signed, Hardman would be the second addition brought in from the Kansas City Chiefs offense after the front office already stole away offensive guard Joe Thuney.
While with the Chiefs, Hardman played a key role in the unit winning three different Super Bowls since being drafted in the second-round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
After four seasons in Kansas City, Hardman joined the New York Jets during his first free agent stop, but was later traded back to the Chiefs after five games in 2023. In 2024, Hardman appeared in 12 games with Kansas City but had his season cut short due to a knee injury that landed him on the injured reserve for the rest of the season.
Just like with Moore, both players are coming off season-ending injuries and the Bears are doing their due diligence on those medicals in-person before offering a deal.
What Does Mecole Hardman Bring To The Offense?
Similarly to Moore, Hardman is best used as a gadget player, but to a much higher level of production working in Andy Reid's offense. During his time with the Chiefs, Hardman's recorded 177 receptions, 2,296 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns while also rushing for three more touchdowns in the regular season.
Hardman was also used as the Super Bowl Champs' main return main, returning 20 punts and five kickoffs during the 2024 season alone.
Last week, Hardman joined NFL Network and revealed what exactly he's looking for in his second stint on the free agent market before making a decision on which team to join next.
"Not trying to go to the same system, but somewhere where I can contribute," Hardman said. "I think that's what's being lost on me, I don't think people know that that's what I can do as a receiver. I want to show that I can actually do this as a true receiver..
"I'm not going to sit here and say that anyone's going to look at me as 'that guy'. I'm speaking in reality, I will play a role and help the team win at all cost. But I want to be out there and get snaps and play."
Playing with Caleb Williams at quarterback behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze at the position in Ben Johnson's scheme would certainly be a good opportunity for the 27-year-old pass catcher.
As far as the injury is concerned, Hardman claimed last week he is fully healthy and would have been able to contribute down the stretch in the playoffs for the Chiefs but called it a team decision to keep him on the IR.
Adding some type of gadget play-maker at the position seems to be at the top of the to-do list for Ben Johnson after officially agreeing to terms with Olamide Zaccheaus on Monday as well. Johnson loves his role players and Hardman could be the next.
Bears updated roster following free agent additions, including the top positions of need leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft
Here’s how the team currently looks in Chicago.
