Bills Release Mecole Hardman Jr. and Punter Mitch Wishnowsky

Buffalo cut veteran Mecole Hardman Jr. and punter Mitch Wishnowsky as rookie Tommy Doman Jr. secures a starting role.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills are releasing veteran wide receiver and returner Mecole Hardman Jr. and punter Mitch Wishnowsky as the organization trims its roster to the 53-player limit. These transactions, confirmed by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Alaina Getzenberg, occurred ahead of the NFL’s 6 p.m. ET deadline this Sunday. The departure of Wishnowsky coincides with rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr. officially earning the team's starting job for the upcoming season.

Hardman, a 28-year-old three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, saw his tenure in Buffalo end after appearing in three regular-season games and one playoff contest during the 2025 campaign. He originally joined the Bills' practice squad in November of last year. Despite his veteran status, the team opted to utilize his roster spot for other positions as they finalized their depth chart for the 2026 season.

Roster Competition at Returner

The decision to move on from Hardman was influenced by his primary path to the active roster as a punt returner. Buffalo recently shifted more opportunities in the return game to running back Ray Davis, who also serves as a kick returner. While Davis muffed a punt during the Bills' third preseason game, the coaching staff continued to evaluate his potential in that role, ultimately decreasing the necessity for Hardman’s specialized skillset on the special teams unit.

Management has not yet named a definitive long-term answer for the punt returner position. However, the choice to release the veteran receiver indicates a preference for the versatility offered by other players currently on the depth chart. The Bills are prioritizing roster flexibility as they meet the league-mandated Sunday evening cutoff time.

Tommy Doman Jr. Wins Punter Battle

In the specialists' room, the release of veteran Mitch Wishnowsky clears the way for Tommy Doman Jr. to take over all punting duties. Doman Jr., a rookie, outperformed the veteran during the preseason to secure his place on the final 53-man roster. This transition marks a significant shift for the Bills' special teams, moving toward a younger leg for the 2026 schedule.

Wishnowsky’s exit follows the same pattern as Hardman’s, as the front office works through the final hours of the cut-down period. The Bills are currently refining their personnel to ensure all active players fit within the strict roster constraints imposed by the NFL.

Hardman’s Statistical History in Buffalo

During his time with the franchise, Hardman’s impact was limited to four total appearances across the regular season and postseason in 2025. His arrival in November provided veteran depth, but he was unable to secure a permanent role in the receiving corps or as the primary return specialist. At age 28, he now enters the market as a free agent following his stint in Western New York.

The Bills' front office continues to evaluate the remaining spots on the team as the 6 p.m. ET deadline approaches. Further adjustments to the roster are expected as the team balances its needs at running back, wide receiver, and special teams before the regular season begins.