ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Bills made headlines this week by adding Super Bowl champion Mecole Hardman to their practice squad, despite no trades being made by general manager Brandon Beane at the deadline. Hardman, who previously played for the archrival Kansas City Chiefs, participated in his first practice with Buffalo on Wednesday.
“It”s kind of weird a little bit, going against these guys for the last six years,” Hardman remarked about transitioning to the Bills. The three-time champion expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I”m excited for the opportunity. I”m glad to be here and they welcomed me with open arms, so I”m happy about that.” He noted that his new teammates have been lightheartedly teasing him about their past matchups, but he is enjoying the camaraderie.
After being released by the Green Bay Packers in September, Hardman is eager to prove himself again. He highlighted his excitement about playing with another elite quarterback, transitioning from catching passes from Patrick Mahomes to potentially working with Josh Allen. “You play against him, but just being out here, man, he”s got an aura about him,” Hardman said about Allen. “He”s one of them guys, one of the quarterbacks that you would like to play with in the league.”
Hardman”s arrival is expected to enhance the Bills not only in the receiving corps but also as a return specialist, a role in which he received All-Pro honors in 2019. His speed and versatility are assets that both he and head coach Sean McDermott are eager to leverage. McDermott commented on Hardman”s potential impact, saying, “You look at position flexibility, he brings some of that and the speed element is real having gone against him.”
While Hardman has not played for some time, McDermott emphasized the need to approach his integration into the team gradually. “He hasn”t played in a little bit of time here, so we got to take it one day at a time,” McDermott said. “But I”m really interested in seeing how he”s going to help us.”
Hardman echoed this sentiment, stating, “That”s kind of like one of my bread and butters throughout my career has been, you know, a good return man. I”m just here for wherever they need me at, wherever they want me to step up at, and give it my best and go out there and do it.”
