Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Mecole Hardman

Friday, April 26, 11:55 PM

After plenty of trade rumors swirling around wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk leading up to this year's draft, the San Francisco 49ers have not dealt either of them through the first three rounds. "We didn't entertain any of that today. We're happy with our wide receiver group. Actually, more than happy. We're thrilled with it. And thrilled to add Ricky to it to make it stronger," general manager John Lynch said. The Niners have definitely been listening to trade offers for both wideouts, but apparently they just haven't been able to work anything out. Aiyuk is looking for a new long-term deal as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal, while Samuel is set to count over $20 million against the salary cap next year. Something's got to give. Now that we're onto Day 3 of the 2024 NFL draft, it's more likely than not that both Aiyuk and Samuel will stick around for the 2024 season.

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.