Ex-Chiefs 23-Touchdown WR Gets Opportunity With Raiders: Report

October 23, 2025 | 12:16 AM ET

Las Vegas, Nevada — October 21, 2025

Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Mecole Hardman has resurfaced in NFL headlines ahead of Week 8 — this time, linked to the Chiefs’ long-time division rival, the Las Vegas Raiders.

According to ESPN beat reporter Ryan McFadden, the Raiders hosted a series of workouts on October 21, with Hardman among the five players in attendance, as confirmed by the NFL’s official transaction log. Alongside Hardman, the team also evaluated wide receiver D.J. Turner, guard Layden Robinson, rookie receiver Hal Presley, and running back Israel Abanikanda.

Former Chiefs and Jets wide receiver Mecole Hardman was among the players who had a try out with #Raiders today, per the league's transaction wire.

WR DJ Turner and Guard Layden Robinson also worked out with the team. Both of them were signed to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/d6la0BHfKz

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) October 21, 2025

Over his five-and-a-half seasons with the Chiefs, Hardman produced more than 2,500 receiving yards and 23 total touchdowns, including several key playoff moments that helped secure three Super Bowl titles. His breakout campaign came in 2021, when he caught 59 passes for 693 yards and two touchdowns. Known for his blazing speed and return ability, Hardman was named a second-team All-Pro returner early in his career and became one of the NFL’s most explosive gadget weapons in Andy Reid’s offense.

Despite an impressive résumé, Hardman has struggled to replicate that success away from Kansas City. His first departure in free agency led him to the New York Jets, where he signed to play alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 derailed those plans. Hardman finished his stint in New York with just one catch for six yards before being traded back to Kansas City midway through the 2023 season.

Following his return, Hardman signed another short-term deal with the Chiefs in 2024, but his year ended prematurely due to an injured reserve (IR) stint. In 2025, he received free agency interest from multiple teams before signing with the Green Bay Packers, though that tenure was brief — and he’s once again a free agent.

As of now, Hardman has not officially signed with the Raiders, who instead opted to add Turner and Robinson to their practice squad following the tryout. Still, his visit has raised speculation about whether Las Vegas could bring him in as a return specialist or rotational deep threat. Most of Hardman’s recent opportunities have centered around his special teams value, though his offensive experience remains an asset for any team seeking speed and versatility.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ wide receiver room is deeper than it’s been in years. With Rashee Rice back from suspension, Xavier Worthy returning from injury, and Hollywood Brown establishing chemistry with Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City’s offense is loaded with dynamic options. As such, a reunion with Hardman appears unlikely at this time.

Under Andy Reid and Brett Veach, the Chiefs have made a habit of reuniting with former players — but with a full receiver rotation and plenty of speed already on the roster, there’s no immediate need for another return. For now, Hardman’s next chapter may unfold elsewhere — perhaps with the Raiders, the Chiefs’ fiercest AFC West rival.