Is Mecole Hardman Another Chiefs Reject for the Packers?
Mecole Hardman’s signing by the Green Bay Packers is certainly one of mixed reviews. After years of fans hoping for a top-tier receiver, the 2024-25 season revealed that the need for a reliable target for Jordan Love was still very much a priority. When Brian Gutekunst went out and brought in Hardman, the reaction was less than enthusiastic. Many saw it as another one of Gutekunst’s gambles: hoping that Matt LaFleur could work some magic with a player who had shown promise in the past but whose production had faltered. With names like Davante Adams and D.K. Metcalf floating around, it’s easy to see why Mecole Hardman might feel like a letdown. Is he just another Chiefs’ castoff, damaged goods for the Packers?
In the 12 games Hardman played last season, he recorded 12 receptions, 90 receiving yards, and zero touchdowns. Now, at face value, those statistics aren’t promising. Speedster Jayden Reed managed to record more receiving yards in individual games than Hardman did all season. In Hardman’s defense, he had a limited role on offense compared to Reed. At 27 years old, Hardman still theoretically has good years ahead of him, and his resume includes three Super Bowl titles, more than every player on the roster.
"We've got a really young group of receivers," Josh Jacobs told 97.3 The Game. "All can be really, really, really special, but I think, personally, we need a guy that's proven to be a number one already. Somebody that we know is going to be a little bit more consistent." These comments aren’t intended to criticize the wide receivers. However, instead, it serves as a wake-up call for anyone who’s still overlooking the need for a proven receiver.
No one is expecting Mecole Hardman’s signing to fill the "go-to guy" role. Even though Hardman doesn’t fit that specific need, it doesn’t mean the signing is a bad one. With Keisean Nixon moving to the perimeter, he’ll be stepping away from return duties. Hardman, on the other hand, has plenty of experience returning punts and kicks.
"I do, absolutely. I think both as a punt returner and a kick returner," Gutekunst said when asked if Hardman can handle the return roles. "He’s a little bit more experienced in the punt return game than the kick return game, but he can do both. He obviously adds an element of speed to our football team. He’s been in big games and played well in big games. He’s been hampered by some injuries along the way, but I think when he’s healthy, he’s certainly an impactful player.”
Last season, when Hardman wasn’t returning kicks and punts, the Chiefs mostly used him as a gadget player who caught passes behind the line of scrimmage and handled some handoffs. Hardman is by no means a complete scrub with nothing to offer. Matt LaFleur has an eye for that kind of player and the creativity to find ways to harness Hardman’s speed. While his role in Kansas City was limited, there’s potential for him to be more versatile in Green Bay’s offense.
If anyone thinks Hardman was signed to take on the number one receiver role, that's a case of setting expectations too high. Green Bay picked up a 27-year-old wide receiver who can contribute on offense and return kicks, all for the league minimum. He wasn’t a costly addition, making it a low-risk, high-reward move. The Packers aren't just handing him a roster spot, and Hardman will still need to compete for his place. So don’t worry, Hardman is not Gutekunst's answer for a premier receiver. Gutekunst will still be working to upgrade and address the wide receiver position, likely through the draft.
