The Packers are loading up for next season.
The Green Bay Packers have added several key players to the roster through free agency so far and made another move on Tuesday. With the front office aiming to improve the wide receiver group, the team brings in a former three-time Super Bowl-winning wide receiver to give Jordan Love a new weapon for next season.
Reports indicate that the Packers have officially signed former Kansas City Chiefs wideout Mecole Hardman on a one-year contract, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The details of the contract are yet to be announced but Hardman brings some serious speed to Green Bay for head coach Matt LaFleur to play around with.
“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.”
The 27-year-old wide receiver joins a Packers room consisting of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson. There is speculation the front office wants to add another wide receiver who's viewed as a true No. 1 option to give quarterback Jordan Love more to work with.
Mecole Hardman likely won't bring that level of play to Green Bay. But at the very least he has the potential of being the team's go-to return man on special teams. He's also a true deep threat, as Hardman's speed helps stretch the field, which can open up the Packers' playbook next season.
The first four years of Hardman's career were in Kansas City where he was originally viewed as a game-changing speedster for Patrick Mahomes. Instead, the front office decided to let him walk after the 2022 season he signed with the New York Jets. Midway through the 2023 season, New York traded Hardman back to Kansas City ahead of the trade deadline.
In 2024, Hardman played a minimal role for the Chiefs recording just 12 receptions, 152 total yards, and a single rushing touchdown. The veteran wide receiver shined on special teams though, as he totaled 203 punt return yards and 132 kick return yards through 12 games played. He now joins a Packers team that should give him a chance to compete for a prominent role in the punt and kick return game.
