The Packers didn’t make a big splash in free agency. However, they may have added three crucial under the radar pieces going into the 2025 season.
Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs became the free agent additions to sign with the team. On Tuesday evening, a surprise signing happened. Mecole Hardman, most recently a wide receiver with the Kansas City Chiefs, is now a Green Bay Packer.
Hardman most notably caught the game winning touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl 58. The Packers were linked to flashier signings such as DK Metcalf, Davante Adams, and Cooper Kupp.
Nonetheless, the Packers are well known for making more fringe free agent signings. Brian Gutekunst found Rasul Douglas off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. Douglas went on to intercept Kyler Murray in Arizona right after he came to the Packers.
De’Vondre Campbell also came from the Cardinals. He resurged his career in Green Bay becoming an All-Pro. Zadarius Smith, Preston Smith, Adrian Amos and Billy Turner all had their best years of play as a Packer.
I am not saying the sign of Mecole Hardman automatically means he will be a star in Green Bay. However, he has a chance to make a huge impact from day one. The loss of Christian Watson and lack of a deep threat looms over Lombardi Avenue.
Mecole Hardman: The Newest Packers Receiver
Mecole Hardman played college football for Georgia. A favorite school for many Packers prospects. He was selected in the second round in the 2019 Draft by the Chiefs. While Hardman isn’t a star, he brought consistency and made plays when he needed to at his stops.
Hardman is also a contributor to two of the Chiefs Super Bowl Championships. It is no small feat; it is experience playing in the biggest games on the biggest stages. This matters as he will bring this knowledge to the wide receiver room.
After his first stint with the Chiefs, he went to the Jets. Hardman struggled to even be targeted, catching a mere one pass in only five games. Because of this, he rightfully requested to be traded.
Hardman landed right where he started with the Chiefs, a perfect fit. A game winning Super Bowl catch ended capped by injury the next season. He signed for only one-year, 1.125 million last season in Kansas City.
Nonetheless, Mecole Hardman is a cheap, yet intriguing addition to the wide receiver and punt return room. Hardman will help ease the loss of Christian Watson and can stretch the field. He is incredibly quick and extremely athletic.
Overall, this is an under the radar signing for the Packers. Now, it is yet to be seen if Brian Gutekunst can catch gold once again.
