Packers signing WR Mecole Hardman
Hardman made the game winning catch in Super Bowl LVIII for the Chiefs.
By PackerAaron
From ESPN:
Source: Free agent WR/return specialist Mecole Hardman is signing with the #Packers on a one-year deal.
Hardman takes his speed from Kansas City to Matt LaFleur’s offense. pic.twitter.com/KKsbMVKg2G
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 18, 2025
Hardman instantly adds speed and a return element for a team that is undoubtedly looking for a more dynamic presence than Jayden Reed offered on punt returns.
In eight seasons, Hardman has tallied 178 receptions for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns. This will be Hardman's third NFL team after time spent with the Jets and Chiefs.
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Comments (16)
beerandbrats
March 18, 2025 at 08:53 pm
You can't not like a veteran receiver. Perhaps there's more behind this story?
asmith1969
March 18, 2025 at 10:48 pm
Don’t let this signing distract you from the fact that he’s another Georgia Bulldog. Gute liking them SEC DAWGS. Facts. Out. Go Pack Go! 👍🏈
friedt
March 19, 2025 at 03:01 am
A nice stop gap move by Gute. A veteran WR with speed to help fill the void created by Christian Watson being hurt (again). Plus, he returns punts/kicks. Now go get Dont’e Thornton in later rounds (6’5”, 4.30 speed in the 40) to fix it permanently. GPG!
Thegreatreynoldo
March 19, 2025 at 05:28 am
I think you have that backwards.
He is a veteran punt and kickoff returner who can play 5 or 10 snaps per game as a receiver.
Thornton might well fix it permanently.
GoldZone
March 19, 2025 at 06:29 am
This is a nice signing. Pack did not sign him to be a #1 or #2, they brought him in to fill in for Watsons speed to stretch the field, kickoff and punt returns, and most importantly to be the wide receivers room mentor. This is the vet we needed to teach our receivers how to be all pro's and Super Bowl winners. None of the other free agents were able to give the Pack KNOWLEDGE.
T7Steve
March 19, 2025 at 06:39 am
Maybe he hasn't had many drops? Can't have as many as the Packers have had this last season. I'm sure someone here has that stat.
He wasn't an every down receiver according to TGR above so this may be his breakout prove it year in the NFL?
GregC
March 19, 2025 at 06:40 am
He hasn't scored a touchdown since 2022. This could be the year!
T7Steve
March 19, 2025 at 07:02 am
Yes!
Remember Jacobs hadn't caught a receiving TD in his career before coming to the Packers? He's doing alright for us.
NFLfan
March 19, 2025 at 09:01 am
Even the 'Same Ol' Jets' had misgivings about Mecole Hardman. Not impressed in the least w/this signing.
HarryHodag
March 19, 2025 at 10:20 am
..but the Chiefs didn't. Maybe there's a future Hall of Fame receiver sitting in his car at Lambeau Field just waiting a call...
HarryHodag
March 19, 2025 at 10:19 am
The Bears also wanted him and he chose Green Bay. He likely saw the opportunity to be the featured receiver. At KC he was more of a possession receiver even though he has 4.4 speed. Defenses won't be able to key on Reed like they did last year. A low-cost upgrade considering Watson will be out most of the year.
PAPackerbacker
March 19, 2025 at 12:12 pm
I like this signing. A nice addition to the Packers. This guy has excellent speed and very good hands. Plus he's an outstanding return man as well. His skills will be a welcome addition to the Packers. Welcome to Green Bay Mecole Hardman. Looking forward to watching you play.
T7Steve
March 19, 2025 at 12:29 pm
I like it. All complimentary and no "yah but" at the end. A pleasure reading.
Thanks. It's good to have a bright side.
davekenya
March 19, 2025 at 12:38 pm
Cheap signing so no downside financially (downside if he continues to fumble a lot). May be 'insurance' and start the season on IR if his 'injury' is an issue. I see this as a KR/PR signing to satisfy Nixon not wanting to return kicks anymore -- which makes sense if he's a starter DB. I don't see this moving the needle at WR at all, but does take up a roster spot if he makes the team. With Watson starting the season on IR, this fills his roster spot until Watson returns (assuming Hardman makes the roster). Returning kicks isn't what it used to be....and he fumbles a lot....so there's that....
SDPack
March 19, 2025 at 09:42 pm
This looks like a consolidation move. Bo Melton ran some gadget plays. Nixon and Reed returned kicks and punts. Hardman can do all those things and provide a little juice upfield to stretch some D’s. I expect Melton is the roster casualty from this and Nixon and Reed are then only focusing on their primary roles.
vin0770
March 20, 2025 at 12:32 pm
Return game fixed!