The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a defining home win against the Buffalo Bills that exposed one clear remaining need. With wideout Darnell Mooney continuing to deal with injuries, Atlanta's lineup has been reduced to using pass-catchers with close to no experience starting or playing a contributing role at this level, making it clear that general manager Terry Fontenot should be actively searching for playmaking help ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
Fortunately, a free agent with Georgia ties might be the perfect person to lend a helping hand
Veteran wideout Mecole Hardman remains a free agent after being cut by the Green Bay Packers in September. The 27-year-old WR is only a year and a half removed from catching the game-winning pass for the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime of the Super Bowl, proving that he can deliver in the game's biggest moments.
Although signing him wouldn't guarantee a Super Bowl, the Falcons don't have a better option in free agency.
Falcons Shouldn't Hesitate to Sign WR Mecole Hardman
Hardman has ties to the state as well, playing his college ball as a Georgia Bulldog, which would get Falcons fans excited about a signing. He has 2,302 career receiving yards as well as 16 touchdowns, and that's without bringing up the reputation he's racked up as one of the NFL's premier returners, amassing nearly 1,900 yards and two TDs on a combined 134 kick and punt returns.
Bringing in Hardman isn't about the expectation of finding a star contributor or a top target for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Rather, the ex-Bulldog is a capable backup this roster badly needs, fitting in with Casey Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud as the secondary options. Hardman's champion-like mentality could bring the Falcons' WR room to the next level while also chipping in on special teams.
The bulk of Hardman's career was spent as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, winning three Super Bowls as a key contributor. That alone should make him attractive to the Falcons, who haven't tasted the postseason since the 2017 campaign.
With how often WR help is sought around the NFL, the Falcons must quickly make a play for Hardman to build off Penix's recent surge. A better supporting cast for the franchise QB has to be at the top of the priority list for Fontenot's agenda down the stretch, and signing the former Super Bowl-winning wideout will help with that task.