Chiefs coach suggests Mecole Hardman’s roster spot is under threat from undrafted free agent after impressing in training camp

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The Kansas City Chiefs have welcomed back their Super Bowl-winner Mecole Hardman on a one-year deal but his roster spot is not guaranteed, according to one Chiefs coach.

Mecole Hardman caught the overtime touchdown pass by Patrick Mahomes in Las Vegas, to secure his third ring and the franchise’s fourth.

He found himself winding up in free agency because of the expiration of his Chiefs deal via trade with the New York Jets.

The 26-year-old remained patient on the open market and was quick to accept a proposal for a return to Missouri.

Mecole Hardman’s return could have been influenced by the changing rules of kickoffs

Hardman’s return could be motivated by his return specialty on kickoffs with their being an introduction of XFL-style rules for the 2024 season.

However, special teams coordinator Dave Toub has hinted offseason talent Nikko Remigio could be a threat to his roster spot.

Remigio has been one of the standout performers in the OTAs and mandatory minicamp, demonstrating developing chemistry with Patrick Mahomes.

After a season-ending, Nikko Remigio is looking to make the team

Unfortunately, Remigio was an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State in 2023. Just like in 2024, he was a standout prospect but suffered a devastating preseason injury against the New Orleans Saints.

Therefore, he was waived and placed on the injured reserve, despite being a Super Bowl champion, Remigio has an excellent chance to bounce back.

The offseason star has a clean slate to build upon and knows the coaching staff recognizes his talent from last year.

Dave Toub suggests Remigio is a threat to Mecole Hardman’s place

In addition, the wide receiver could be a vital member of Dave Toub’s special team unit and the coach reinforced that at Justin Reid’s charity golf event.

“He’s (Remigio’s) probably our number one kick returner right now, in that category. So, he’s got a real good shot in my book to make this team,” Toub explained.

“He’s doing everything he can as wide receiver, he has to get in the depth there, he probably has to be the fifth or sixth receiver to probably be on the 53 [man roster]. He’s at least going to be on the practice squad I guarantee that and he and Mecole [Hardman] are going to be battling it out for that spot.”

Remigio is regarded as the best kick returner on the roster, Per Toub

Toub has hinted that Remigio has an excellent chance of making the team but would need to be fifth or sixth on the wide receiver depth chart.

Furthermore, the Chiefs coach has suggested that he is their number-one kick returner available.

The Kansas City Chiefs have brought back their experienced receiver in Hardman for 2024, but he still will have to fight for his roster spot against Remigio.

Ultimately, the franchise could be forced to pick between Remigio, if he continues to excel in training camp, and veteran Hardman when the time comes to trim down the fat.