The Green Bay Packers announced on March 19 that they had signed Mecole Hardman as a free agent. He is an experienced wide receiver, having been a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite being drafted by the Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft with the 56th overall pick in the second round, he was with the New York Jets for a brief stint in 2023 before being traded back to the team that drafted him on a one-year contract. Last season, he was thought to have been earning a $1.125 million contract; it wouldn’t be a shock if the Packers had handed him one that was similar.
Will Mecole Hardman’s Plentyful Experience Be Impactful?
For a team like the Packers, reaching and winning the Super Bowl is the aim. It’s been too long since they last did. In fact, it’s been impossible to legally place a sports bet on the team when it has come down to playing in the Super Bowl, with their last appearance at Super Bowl XLV as part of the 2010 NFL season.
Still, that hasn’t stopped bettors from playing daily fantasy sports and using players that are on the roster to create their ultimate team. Hardman could be another that leads to bettors who’ll want to click here and use the latest promo code available if he signs with the team because of what he can bring to the iconic franchise at the wide receiver position.
Although the team has young talent in place in Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, they arguably lack someone with experience and know-how. Josh Jacobs called for the team to add a No.1 receiver, and with Hardman available, it’s a move the organization clearly considered strongly.
The 27-year-old possesses many qualities that could work well in Matt LaFleur’s offense. He has bundles of pace, having run the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds during his NFL Combine in 2019. With Christian Watson likely to miss the beginning of the 2025 NFL season, Hardman could come into the team and create space by stretching the field. If he can, then Reed, Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks may benefit, as Jordan Love may have more space to throw the ball into.
He has the experience that the team could require to reach the Super Bowl. He has won it three times, including scoring the game-winning touchdown in their overtime win in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers with a 3-yard reception. If he can bring his best to Lambeau Field, then he could be an effective weapon.
Inconsistencies as a Concern
If there is a downside to Hardman, it’s the fact that he has been inconsistent throughout his NFL career. Although he has been able to show flashes of brilliance, there have been many moments where his talents and health can be questionable.
As a receiver, his production has been up and down. His best season came in 2021 with 59 catches for 693 yards, but in 2024, he managed just 12 receptions for 90 yards in 12 games before a knee injury landed him on injured reserve. Critics point to his smaller frame (5’10”, 187 pounds) and lack of a consistent role in Kansas City’s stacked offense as reasons he’s never fully broken out.
In his career, he has struggled. He has played in 91 games across six seasons in the league, having 223 total receptions for 2,593 yards. He has 18 touchdowns, averaging 11.6 yards per catch. He has the ability to extend the play, averaging 8.3 yards after the catch, which could allow the Packers to get up the field or give them an option on special teams as he can operate as a punt returner. He really struggled when he was at the New York Jets, as he caught one pass in only five games before requesting a trade away.
However, that might be why he could be an underrated free agent acquisition that is just waiting to shine in Green Bay. It might not be a bad risk for the franchise to take. The one-year deal will be relatively risk-free, as it will be a way for the Packers to potentially improve significantly in an area where they need to, without having to eat a huge amount in terms of salary.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens. Hopefully he can be a success and be one of the free agent signings of the offseason.
