Hardman remaining active for the preseason finale bodes negatively for his chances of meaningfully contributing in the regular season but he’s done it before. He added a 43-yard kickoff return. Hardman is likely just a contrarian DFS option this year.

Hardman split 2023 between the Jets and Chiefs, totaling 15 receptions for 124 scoreless yards in the regular season. Hardman’s biggest moment came in the Super Bowl when he found the end zone on a three-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes for a walk-off touchdown to down the 49ers 25-22. Hardman’s offensive production has dropped off significantly over the last two years, and he shouldn’t be considered a lock to make the 53-man roster. However, his experience on special teams in a league that’s hoping to have more kick returns in 2024 could add to his value.

According to Hughes, “several players” implied Hardman leaked game plans to opponents while he was a member of the Jets. This is rumored to have stemmed from Hardman being “frustrated by his lack of usage.” For now, all of this is nothing more than speculation from players, as nothing has officially been confirmed by Hardman or members of the Eagles or Chiefs. Hardman recently put himself in the crosshairs of tampering speculation when Hardman said he contacted the Chiefs earlier in the season and told them to but he later said he never had talks with the Chiefs before being traded. Whether anything comes from these recent stories is to be determined, but it’s been a busy week for the three-time Super Bowl champ.

A mistake-prone disaster since returning to the Chiefs at the trade deadline, you could say Hardman totally redeemed himself with his Super Bowl-winning, walk-off touchdown in overtime. Hardman, of course, was totally uncovered, but it’s the kind of play that would have somehow turned into certain disaster a month ago. A mega free agent bust for the go-nowhere Jets, Hardman wasn’t much better in Kansas City, but coach Andy Reid maintained his faith until the literal end. It helped Hardman’s case that there was almost literally no one else behind Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice. This remains a team in dire need of a receiver corps overhaul. Going on 26 and headed back to the open market, Hardman is no better than 50-50 to re-up in Kansas City.