The Green Bay Packers made the playoffs for the second straight year under Jordan Love. However, it felt like they took a step back. They went 1-5 against the NFC North and lost twice to the Philadelphia Eagles, once in the season opener and another in the wild-card round. One unit that struggled was the wide receivers, and it doesn’t look much better heading into the year. Speedster Christian Watson tore his ACL late in the year and will most of 2025. The team decided to look to free agency to grab some speed, signing former Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman to a deal.
Green Bay Packers Sign Mecole Hardman
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports it is a one-year deal for the Super Bowl champion. He adds a speed element that head coach Matt LaFleur loves to run in his offense. Watson and Jayden Reed are often used as decoys or on jet sweeps. This is Hardman’s specialty. He has never been a high-volume receiver, only catching 12 passes for 90 yards last year, but he can take it to the house anytime he touches the ball. Andy Reid would often use him in the Super Bowl on gadget plays, which led to easy scores.
This is an interesting move for the Green Bay Packers, and it may fill more needs than one. All-Pro returner Keisean Nixon stated in the offseason that he might want to move away from returning kicks, leaving a void. Mecole Hardman can come in and provide an instant spark for the special teams. Don’t discount his role on offense, even if it is a decoy. Teams have to respect his speed, which may give other players that little bit of separation needed for a big play.
2025 Outlook
The Green Bay Packers haven’t done much in free agency but did add some key players. Aaron Banks was signed to bolster the protection for Love, and they also signed former Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs. Furthermore, they re-signed kicker Brandon McManus after two years of volatility at the position. It’s easy to look at the offseasons of the Bears and Vikings and think the Packers are behind. However, success isn’t found in the number of signings.
While those teams have improved, Green Bay still has a formidable roster that can compete in the NFC North. Detroit lost both their coordinators but still has one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. This division will be fun, and the Green Bay Packers are looking to be back on top in 2025. Can they improve on last year and take back the division crown?
