Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs haven't seen much criticism on their decisions in team-building, but some of their mid-season moves have been headscratchers to many. Instead of a big-name addition, they've opted for players like Kadarius Toney and Mecole Hardman. They haven't turned into phenoms but did just enough to help in certain situations, especially in January.
Noting their recent history of this, NFL analyst Mike Greenberg predicted that Mahomes' team will take another wide receiver down on his luck on Monday's edition of "Get Up."
"Elite defense, plus Patrick Mahomes, plus Andy Reid, plus a move they have up their sleeve," Greenberg said. "They will get a wide receiver before the trade deadline. It won't be one of the big names. They won't do what the Jets do and go out and get Davante Adams.
"They'll get someone like Kadarius Toney or Mecole Hardman, as they did each of the last two years, who, oh, by the way, wound up helping them win the Super Bowl in both of those cases."
Most recently, Kadarius Toney and Mecole Hardman took turns helping out in key spots. Toney morphed into a returner who delivered for the team from time to time. Hardman, of course, caught the Super Bowl-winning catch in Las Vegas at Super Bowl LVIII.
Potential opportunity opens up for Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs to reclaim another former wide receiver
Mecole Hardman had a brief stay with the New York Jets in 2023, following a four-year run with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, he returned to the team almost as soon as he left it. Another similar opportunity is now open for the Chiefs.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who caught the game-winning pass in the AFC Championship, went on to play for the Bills to start the 2024 season. However, like Hardman, he also finds himself looking for another team. According to NFL Network via Manchester Journal, Valdes-Scantling is scheduled to visit the New Orleans Saints.
However, the Chiefs seemingly still have a great shot to get the receiver should they want him. That said, they might need to act fast. Juju Smith-Schuster missed most of Sunday's contest and with Hollywood Brown still on IR, the Chiefs might need someone familiar with the playbook to fill in or bolster the beat-up receiver room. Will the Chiefs pull off another Mecole Hardman-like move?
