After months of the Green Bay Packers signing him, former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman could be a cut candidate. According to one source, they believe Hardman is one of the several athletes that the Packers could release before the 2025 campaign. The team has too many wideouts in their roster, including Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, 2025 draft picks Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. Quarterback Jordan Love needs a true WR1 receiver, and while Reed will likely fill that spot, they might not keep Hardman, as it would leave him, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath as the lone weapons fighting for a roster spot.
Hardman did sign a one-year deal and was going to win at least a starting job if everything went well, but that was before they drafted Golden and Williams. Meanwhile, Golden looks to be a true WR2 at best if training camp goes well, which doesn’t leave a ton of room for Hardman to grow. Originally selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs, including hauling in a game-winning touchdown. While he’s more of a specialist and could win that starting position for the Packers, it might be easier for Green Bay to completely move on, as it’s just a one-year contract, so they wouldn’t lose much.
Former Chiefs Hero Mecole Hardman Could Be a Cut Candidate – 5 Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
While the Dallas Cowboys did trade for George Pickens, the team still lacks depth in the receiver department. Jalen Tolbert is entering the final year of his contract, and if he lives up to the hype, he could sign elsewhere next offseason since it’ll become difficult to compensate him in his next deal. Kavontae Turpin is the return specialist for Dallas, but it doesn’t mean they can’t get Hardman as well in the mix. He can serve as a safe WR4 at best behind Turpin and pair with him in the background.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Ravens still have a questionable wide receiver room. DeAndre Hopkins has been impressing at camp, but how much gas does he truly have left? Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are obvious locks to start, but they need a true WR3 to rotate around in the slot. While Hardman might not provide much stability, it allows Lamar Jackson to move the ball around to more than just the same two receivers.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints need some type of new life for their offense. Following Derek Carr’s retirement, the team doesn’t have an adequate passer who can bring the best out of Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Perhaps, despite signing Brandin Cooks, they could use more bolstering firepower to give Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler more chances in short-pass scenarios.
Kansas City Chiefs
However, no one should rule out a reunion between the Chiefs and Hardman. Andy Reid prefers to keep talent that has chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Despite signing Marquise Brown for a one-year deal, it feels more temporary than permanent. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice will keep their jobs as long as they stay out of legal trouble. Hardman could go back to his old self and be a situational receiver as a WR4 in Kansas City if he becomes available.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are in dire need of a wide receiver. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey will most likely carry this unit on his back again. Meanwhile, Quentin Johnston is hoping to have a turnaround, but the chances of that happening are low. Hardman could save this pass offense temporarily while Tre Harris develops as a capable target for Justin Herbert.
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