Who Should I Start? Mecole Hardman or Kadarius Toney

Monday, February 12, 1:28 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. played the role of hero for his team in Super Bowl LVIII, reeling in the game-winning touchdown from three yards out to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22. Hardman pulled in each of his three targets for 57 yards in Sunday's big game, also coming down with a 52-yard bomb to get the Chiefs into a goal-to-go during the second quarter. After playing just one snap in the AFC Championship win over the Baltimore Ravens, the 25-year-old stepped up as a deep threat when it mattered most for a Chiefs offense desperate for playmaking down the field all year long. Though he authored quite a feel-good story going from a New York Jets castoff to catching a championship-winning TD, Hardman's Super Bowl heroics are unlikely to make him worth rostering in the majority of 2024 fantasy drafts. Whether it's back with K.C. or another squad, the former Pro Bowl kick returner should find a home next season.

Thursday, May 2, 10:28 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs have declined their fifth-year option on wide receiver Kadarius Toney, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. By doing so, the Chiefs will opt against bringing Toney back for $14.345 million in 2025. Instead, he'll finish out his rookie contract in Kansas City this season before hitting free agency next March. Toney had a fifth-year option due to his status as a former first-round pick. He has been a massive disappointment since the Giants selected him in the 2021 NFL Draft. Toney totaled 760 receiving yards, 119 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns through his first three seasons, and he also struggled to stay healthy, playing in just 12 games for the Giants and 20 for the Chiefs. He remains an inferior receiver to Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy, leaving Toney on waivers in most redraft leagues.