Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Hardman's release comes down largely to a lost battle at punt returner. Running back Ray Davis had been given increasing opportunities to field punts throughout camp, and receiver Trent Sherfield's strong performance in Buffalo's preseason finale against Cleveland further squeezed Hardman out of a roster spot.
A Crowded Room Left No Path Back
Hardman joined Buffalo's practice squad last November after being released by the Green Bay Packers, and was elevated to the active roster for two regular-season games plus the divisional-round playoff loss to Denver, catching a four-yard touchdown from Josh Allen in that postseason appearance.
It wasn't enough to hold off Buffalo's revamped receiver room. The Bills acquired DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears this offseason to finally give Allen a true No. 1 target, joining a group that already included Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer, while a fourth-round pick on UConn's Skyler Bell added even more competition underneath.
The Bills are releasing veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 29, 2026
Hardman, 28, spent six seasons with the Chiefs across two stints, winning three Super Bowls and catching 178 passes for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns for his career.
As a vested veteran, he's exempt from waivers and free to sign with any team immediately.
