Kansas City Chiefs predicted to cut ties with Super Bowl hero that will see surprise end of Patrick Mahomes target

The big game hero suffered an injury this season

THE Kansas City Chiefs have been tipped to release a Super Bowl legend in the offseason.

The move would see the end of Patrick Mahomes’ teammate wide receiver in a Chiefs uniform.

Mecole Hardman Jr. #12 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a touchdown during Super Bowl LVIII.
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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman caught the game-winning touchdown during overtime of Super Bowl 58 against the San Francisco 49ers last FebruaryCredit: Getty

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs yelling on the field.
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Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes yells before the team’s win over the Houston Texans on December 21, 2024Credit: Getty
As the Chiefs begin their quest for a historic three-peat, some players could be enjoying their final postseason run with the team.

Fansided’s Braden Holecek predicted that Kansas City could move on from wideout Mecole Hardman after the season.

Hardman has recorded just 90 yards in 12 appearances this campaign.

He hasn’t played since November 29 after suffering a knee injury and could miss this weekend’s Divisional Round playoff game versus the Houston Texans.

“There are still reasons as to why this run may be it for Hardman in Kansas City,” Holecek wrote.

After Holececk mentioned Hardman’s injury history, he also brought up that the 26-year-old – who was the team’s kick and punt returner – has been replaced comfortably.

The writer also added that the Chiefs will hope for improvements from 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy next season and look to sign talent in free agency and the draft, instead of retaining Hardman.

“Finally, Kansas City has found their new, younger option for designed, quick touches at wide receiver in Xavier Worthy, wrote Holecek.

“Worthy is more well-rounded and as a pass catcher than Hardman is.

“Yet, his juice in those gimmick type of plays is just as steady.”

Hardman was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday and could appear in the Chiefs’ playoff contest at Arrowhead.

A 2019 second-round pick, Hardman has been a fan favorite with Kansas City, recording 16 career touchdowns in six seasons with the squad.

During last year’s Super Bowl, he scored the game-winning walk-off touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.

Hardman also earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie.

However, since then, he hasn’t made a big impact in the regular season with the franchise.

Hardman also had a brief stint with the New York Jets.

The Chiefs re-acquired the Georgia product in a mid-season trade in 2023.

After a disappointing stint in New York, he posted 14 catches for 118 yards in six regular-season games in his return to Kansas City last season.

Mecole Hardman Jr. holding the Lombardi Trophy after the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVIII victory.
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Hardman holds the Lombardi Trophy at Allegiant Stadium in Las VegasCredit: Getty