Mecole Hardman's contract with the Chiefs was a steal that Brett Veach simply couldn't refuse

The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed wide receiver Mecole Hardman last week.

The on-the-field reasons for bringing back Hardman make all the sense in the world. He has been in coach Andy Reid's system for basically his entire career, he still has a lot of speed, and he brings special teams value to the table. Not only did those factors play a role in his return, but so did the financial reasons.

The Chiefs signed Hardman to a veteran salary benefit deal worth $1,125 million. That means that his contract is for just one year and is non-guaranteed. If Hardman makes the roster, it will only cost Kansas City $985,000 against the salary cap. That's a pretty sweet deal for someone with Hardman's experience and is very low risk for the Chiefs.

This is a deal that works for both sides. The Chiefs needed some insurance at the receiver position due to a looming suspension for Rashee Rice, and Hardman's skillset will be best utilized in the Chiefs' offense. With his contract being non-guaranteed, nothing is promised for Hardman, and he will have to put his best foot forward to make the roster. 

That makes it somewhat of a contract year for Hardman. If he can bounce back in 2024, he could earn a bigger contract with multiple years and guarantees next offseason, either with K.C. or somewhere else. 

If Hardman gets buried on the depth chart and doesn't produce much, his NFL future could really begin to look bleak. Hardman will battle it out with guys such as Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Justyn Ross, and Nikko Remigio for the final few receiver spots.