Packers End Mecole Hardman Experiment After Disastrous Preseason

Aweak preseason performance has sealed the fate of this Green Bay Packers receiver. The 2019 2nd round pick has been looking for a permanent home since the Kansas City Chiefs looked elsewhere after his rookie contract.

A few stints in Kansas City have given this WR a chance to win three Super Bowls. Many players would dream of winning one, but the 27-year-old has three to his name. At the end of the day, he still failed to make the Packers roster.

Green Bay Packers End The Mecole Hardman Experiment

Having three Super Bowls doesn’t mean one has to contribute much to get there. That’s not to take anything away from Mecole Hardman, but his preseason performance left a lot to be desired. Cut day isn’t easy for anyone, but the Packers knew this decision had to be made.

Hardman had just three receptions for 30 yards in the preseason. His name was projected to make some individuals 53-man roster, simply for the spot of filling a role on special teams. After Week 1, Heavy’s Sean Deveney broke down his disastrous performance.

The former Chiefs receiver had plenty of chances to prove himself in the Packers 2-1 preseason campaign. In their opening 30-10 loss against the New York Jets, Hardman basically handed the Jets 7 points. His punt return at the five-yard line went absolutely nowhere, leading to a scoop and score fumble a few plays later.

His next attempt to field a punt resulted in a fumble. Right then and there could’ve been the moment his fate was sealed with the team. Even though he rebounded the next few weeks, it was clearly too little too late.

Hardman’s deal with GB cost them around $1.5 million. It was a smartly worked contract for the team as Rob Demovsky wrote, “It cost them next to nothing. Hardman, the former SB champ with KC, got just a $150K signing bonus.”

Packers Receiving Room Heading Into the 2025 Season

Jordan Love’s receiving core will not miss Hardman. His impact in the preseason left no lasting impact on the team as they have plenty of other names to step up to the plate. While numerous key players are dealing with injuries, rookie Matthew Golden has emerged as the team’s WR1.

The status of Jayden Reed remains to be seen. His walking boot drew plenty of attention, though the Packers seemed positive he would be back in time for Week 1. If Love is without his top weapon, the likes of Golden or Romeo Doubs would fill that spot. After all, Doubs did have a touchdown in their preseason finale.

Love has shown that he doesn’t need a top group of receivers to be successful. TE Tucker Kraft is enough for him as Kraft has emerged as a security blanket for the third-year starter. Elsewhere, Green Bay awaits the return of Christian Watson.

The likes of Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams will have a chance to etch their name in this Packers receiving core. Should another injury take place, Green Bay has plenty of other names such as Malik Heath and Julian Hicks that could make an impact at any given moment.