Getty Kansas City Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill.
Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill took to free agency this offseason and landed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Cleveland Browns, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero on March 15.
Now, Thornhill is attempting to lure free agent receiver Mecole Hardman, one of Thornhill’s teammates in Kansas City, to Cleveland.
“Remember we came in together in 2019 @MecoleHardman4 come on over #DawgPound,” Thornhill wrote on March 16.
Remember we came in together in 2019 @MecoleHardman4 👀🟫🟧 come on over #DawgPound
Hardman responded to Thornhill’s tweet with nothing more than the eyes emoji.
Former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill apparently can’t wait to see where Hardman lands next, as he tweeted, “can I get some mecole news since he won’t answer my calls.” But Hardman claims he doesn’t have any missed calls from Hill.
Mecole Hardman’s Chiefs Tenure Ended With Injury
Mecole Hardman struggled to stay healthy during the second half of the 2022 season, which potentially has him leaving Kansas City on a low note.
Hardman (pelvis) couldn’t consistently take to the practice field after his 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve was opened on December 14.
After suffering a setback at practice on Wednesday, December 28 due to a tweaked groin, Hardman missed practice on Thursday and Friday. After Friday’s practice, head coach Andy Reid ruled out Hardman for Kansas City’s Week 17 outing against the Denver Broncos.
Hardman was activated from IR on January 4 — the deadline to activate him from IR — but continued to fight through his injury during the postseason. He missed the Divisional Round but was active for the AFC Championship. Yet, he was re-injured in the win over the Cincinnati Bengals and was placed on injured reserve again on February 6 as a result.
During his four seasons with the Chiefs, Hardman registered 151 receptions on 220 targets for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. He also carried the ball 20 times for 125 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.
Based on the market this offseason, Mecole Hardman is projected to land a four-year, $41 million deal with an NFL team during free agency, according to Spotrac.
Twitter Users Reacted to Juan Thornhill’s Tweet
Twitter users reacted to Juan Thornhill attempting to recruit Mecole Hardman.
“Been a brown for like 15 hours, hasn’t even signed his contract yet (probably) and is recruiting someone who’d immediately fill our biggest offensive need. I love the energy,” one Twitter user wrote.
@karnsies817 @Juan_Thornhill @MecoleHardman4 Been a brown for like 15 hours, hasn’t even signed his contract yet (probably) and is recruiting someone who’d immediately fill our biggest offensive need. I love the energy.
“These replies from Browns fans are great. They think Juan Thornhill and Mecole Hardman are gonna win them a Super Bowl,” another user wrote.
@Juan_Thornhill @MecoleHardman4 These replies from Browns fans are great. They think Juan Thornhill and Mecole Hardman are gonna win them a Super Bowl 😂😂
“Good luck up there @Juan_Thornhill! Chiefs Kingdom will miss you and be forever grateful for your passion for the game and critical plays in key moments during your tenure. Hope you continue to eat em up (just not against KC),” another user wrote.
@Juan_Thornhill @MecoleHardman4 Good luck up there @Juan_Thornhill ! Chiefs Kingdom will miss you and be forever grateful for your passion for the game and critical plays in key moments during your tenure. Hope you continue to eat em up (just not against KC).
“it’s obvious @Juan_Thornhill appreciates you and he would probably be pretty bummed if you didn’t come with him to Cleveland so you should probably just come. Just saying!” another user wrote.
“Don’t do it Mecole. You deserve better than the Browns, and so does Juan but here we are,” another user wrote.
@MecoleHardman4 Don’t do it Mecole. You deserve better than the Browns, and so does Juan but here we are.
“I mean I’m a fan bro you and [Kadarius] Toney will ball out,” another user wrote. “But do what you think is best for you.”
@MecoleHardman4 I mean I’m a fan bro you and Toney will ball out. But do what you think is best for you 🤷🏾♂️