Who Should I Start? Hakeem Butler or Mecole Hardman

Monday, August 21, 2:31 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released wide receiver Hakeem Butler (undisclosed) with an injury designation. The big-bodied pass-catcher racked up 51 receptions for 599 yards and a league-leading eight touchdown scores in the XFL in 2023 but didn't last very long during his second chance to make it in the NFL. Butler was a fourth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 but did not log a reception for the team, and has zero receptions on one target in two games played with the Philadelphia Eagles in his career. After failing to make the Steelers roster, his NFL career might be over.

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.