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Raiders should target Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman in free agency

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We are still a long way away from free agency as the Raiders still have six games left in the 2022 season. However, it’s never too soon to look ahead at some players that could make sense in free agency.

One player that would be a perfect fit in Las Vegas is actually someone the team knows very well; Mecole Hardman of the Kansas City Chiefs.

In a recent article by Ari Meirov of Pro Football Focus, he listed the top free-agent wide receivers set to hit the open market in 2023. That list included Hardman, who might not be back in Kansas City. Here is what he had to say about the former Georgia Bulldog:

“Hardman quietly put up over 500 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons and was on pace to do that again this season before an ankle injury put him on short-term IR. The speedy Hardman has ranked second in each of the last two years in yards after the catch per reception and currently ranks eighth in that category this season.”

The Raiders have three quality receivers in Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow and Mack Hollins. But what they don’t have in their wide receiver group is speed. While Hardman isn’t the most consistent receiver, he does prove home-run speed to an offense.

If the Raiders want to get faster on offense, Hardman would be a great budget-friendly option. Keep an eye on him during the rest of the season and through free agency as the Raiders could add him this offseason.

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