Wide receiver Mecole Hardman is returning to the Kansas City Chiefs with a one-year contract extension after scoring a decisive touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII.

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After a brief and unremarkable stint with the New York Jets, Hardman was traded back to Kansas City last season. He quickly made an impact, securing the Chiefs’ back-to-back championships with an overtime touchdown from Patrick Mahomes.

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Over five seasons with the Chiefs, the 26-year-old has covered over 2,000 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. His 2022 performance was stellar until his move to the Jets, where he struggled to find his place, eventually losing his starting spot to undrafted rookie Xavier Gibson.

Controversy followed Hardman when he was accused of leaking the Jets’ game strategies to the Philadelphia Eagles, an accusation hinted at by teammate Sauce Gardner and punter Thomas Morstead.

Traded back to the Chiefs for a seventh-round pick, Hardman resumed his familiar role and may see increased responsibilities this season despite new additions to the roster, including Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and Xavier Worthy.

Hardman could also benefit from starter Rashee Rice’s expected suspension due to off-season incidents.