News came out recently that the Chicago Bears were meeting with former 2nd round pick Rondale Moore today. It was immediately evident the team might be looking to add some speed to the receiving corps. A few hours later, Tom Pellissero of NFL Network provided a surprising update. Moore wasn’t the only one meeting with the Bears. Another former 2nd rounder, Mecole Hardman, was also visiting Halas Hall. This one felt important, considering GM Ryan Poles had a direct role in drafting him in 2019.
Poles was with the Chiefs’ front office that year. Hardman made the Pro Bowl as a returner and produced 538 receiving yards with six touchdowns. He would continue to be a solid secondary option over the next couple of years, establishing himself as a legitimate deep threat. Though his role decreased in 2022 and 2023, he again helped Kansas City win the Super Bowl each year. Though he lost a primary role on offense, his value as a part-time big-play threat never entirely went away.
The Chicago Bears have a clear agenda with Hardman.
It appears they want their primary backup wide receivers to be valuable on offense and special teams. That was already the case with Olamide Zaccheaus, who was a great slot threat and punt returner in Washington last season. Hardman, who is still only 27 years old, would give them deep strike capability and kick return experience. Better still, his big-game experience can’t be ignored. Hardman always seems to show up when the team needs him most. He caught the winning touchdown against San Francisco in the Super Bowl two years ago. Head coach Ben Johnson said he wants players who are poised under the lights. Hardman may not be a start, but there is no question he’s ready whenever asked to step up.
