2022 was already going to be a big year for Mecole Hardman. The former second-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie deal, so, he needs to have a good year if he wants to see a substantial raise in 2023 and beyond.

But an already big year became even bigger once the Chiefs decided to trade Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins in March. Now, Hardman has a premier chance to help fill the massive void Hill left behind.

The Chiefs realize that Hardman will be needed in 2022. So do the fans. And that's why some folks made a big deal out of Hardman not showing up to work out with Mahomes earlier in the month.

The optics may not have been the best, but there was nothing wrong with Hardman's "no-show". Even Patrick Mahomes said as much in a recent Zoom interview with reporters.

"I think since Mecole's been here, we've had COVID for the last two years and then obviously this year he came down here," Mahomes told reporters. "So it isn't like he's been missing a lot of things here and there. It kind of got overblown, I think, a little bit, because he wasn't here the first week, but he's been here ever since. Everything got overblown a little bit, in a sense.

"He’s always putting in the time and has waited for his opportunity. … Every time he’s in there and he has his opportunity, he’s going 100 miles and hour as hard as he can. You respect guys like that and you’re happy that he’ll have an even bigger chance and a bigger opportunity this year and I expect big things from him.”

Hardman echoed Mahomes' sentiment about the whole situation being blown out of proportion, as well.

"It definitely got blown out of proportion, for sure," Hardman said. “I’ve been working out the whole offseason, not to mention when like when we go to OTAs, training camp and have four months with Pat to throw. I think honestly I think I understand that people have individual lives as well. Know what I’m saying? I can’t be on Pat’s ass all day, you know what I’m saying? It's just not going to happen.”

Both players make good points. Hardman was already planning to come down for the second week of workouts and Mahomes knew that. The Chiefs knew that.

Therefore, there's no problem. It was nice to see Mahomes stick up for his guy, too. That will go a long way in strengthening their relationship.

And hopefully, a stronger relationship will lead to bigger and better results on the field.

Because there will be opportunities aplenty for Hardman to do his thing in 2022.

"I think Mecole Hardman can be a great player in this offense," Mahomes said. "He’s made a Pro Bowl already and I think he can keep getting better and better. Everybody puts out there he’s got to replace Tyreek [Hill]. I think he can be his own player, a Pro Bowler and a great player in this offense as well.”

You can watch the full interview with Mahomes, here.

Featured image via Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports