Vikings Rumors: Former Chiefs receiver is on Minnesota’s radar

On Monday, an intriguing Minnesota Vikings rumor about the team’s interest in former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman was revealed.

After one week of free agency, there are still plenty of Minnesota Vikings rumors floating around, and one of the latest points to the team having interest in free-agent wide receiver Mecole Hardman, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs.

In response to a question on Twitter on Monday, KSTP’s Darren Wolfson revealed that the Vikings have had “casual dialogue” with Hardman this offseason.

Vikings Rumors: Former Kansas City Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman would add some serious speed to Minnesota’s roster

Back in 2019, the Chiefs selected Hardman out of Georgia in the second round of the NFL Draft. Kansas City was hoping that he would develop into another reliable weapon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but the high expectations for the young pass-catcher were never really met during his four seasons with the Chiefs.

Hardman’s best year with Kansas City took place in 2021 when he finished with 59 catches for 693 yards and two touchdowns. He also spent time as a returner with the Chiefs, so that could be a skill of his that intrigues Minnesota.

The Vikings are likely also intrigued by Hardman’s elite speed. During the 2019 pre-draft process, he finished his 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.33 seconds.

Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell could take advantage of Hardman’s speed in a number of different ways if he were to sign with the purple and gold this year. So we will have to just wait and see if O’Connell will get his opportunity to work with the former Chiefs receiver in 2023 or not.