The Kansas City Chiefs lost some beloved fan favorites this offseason, seeing Super Bowl champions like Joe Thuney, Justin Reid, and Mecole Hardman all finding new homes after successful tenures with the organization.
While Thuney is secure with the Chicago Bears and Reid is in a similar spot with the New Orleans Saints, Hardman's place with the Green Bay Packers is up in the air. He got bad news at the NFL Draft and faces an uphill climb to making the 53-man roster this fall.
Unfortunately for Hardman, he might soon be trying to come back to the Chiefs should the Packers kick him to the curb in a couple of months.
Green Bay Packers new addition. Packers sign Mecole Hardman to a 1 year deal. Hardman is 27 years old and ran a 4.33 #packers #gopackgo #packersfreeagency #packersnews #packerssigning #nflfreeagency pic.twitter.com/tRU9xTby0q
— Tylights (@TReum10) March 19, 2025
Former Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman May Be Cut by Packers Before Training Camp
Hardman signed a one-year deal with Green Bay in the offseason after Kansas City elected not to target him for a contract extension. He caught the game-winning TD pass in overtime of the Super Bowl victory against the San Francisco 49ers, though he fell out of favor in the offense and on special teams in 2024.
The 27-year-old veteran played just 14% of offensive snaps and 24% of special teams ones last year, catching 12 passes for 90 yards with 20 punt returns for 203 yards. His championship experience could certainly provide a boost to a young Packers squad, though the nature of his position group complicates matters.
They spend a first-round pick on Matthew Golden out of Texas, then still have Christian Watson, though he's injured, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath. That's a loaded room, and Hardman is the eldest of the bunch.
There's limited upside for Hardman, especially considering that Golden can serve the same roles on special teams. Unless he stands out in a major way as a leader this summer, Hardman is on the chopping block.
He was beloved in the Chiefs' locker room and a valued teammate, suggesting there's still hope. At this point, though, it won't be a surprise if Hardman is trying to find another team in August.