From the very beginning of the Green Bay Packers offseason, everyone knew that they would be addressing the wide receiver position as they headed into the 2025 league year. However, the moves that they did make were not necessarily the ones that many expected.
For the first time since 2002, the Packers used their first round pick on a wide receiver, selecting Matthew Golden out of Texas. Then, they selected TCU’s Savion Williams in the third round.
Prior to taking these wide receivers, many had thought the team would try to land a bonified number one pass catcher like Davante Adams, Tee Higgins, or DK Metcalf. Of course, they did not.
However, they did sign one wide receiver before the draft: three-time Super Bowl Champion Mecole Hardman.
The Green Bay Packers Signed Mecole Hardman in Free Agency
Earlier this offseason, the Packers signed former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million contract. Only his $150,000 signing bonus was guaranteed.
Indeed, Hardman faces an uphill battle to make Green Bay’s 53-man roster. In addition to Golden and Williams, the Packers have Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks, not to mention Christian Watson who is progressing ahead of schedule as he rehabs from a torn ACL.
So crowded has Green Bay’s wide receiver room become that Bo Melton, who was re-signed by the club earlier this offseason, is practicing as a cornerback during minicamp.
Many assume that if Hardman is going to make the team, it would be as a kick returner, a role he has not held in years, but had success with during his early days with the Chiefs, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2019.
Mecole Hardman Signed with the Green Bay Packers Because of Jordan Love
On Wednesday, Packers quarterback Jordan Love was filmed completing a 70+ yard bomb to Hardman during practice. The clip went viral on social media as it was Green Bay’s own social media team that posted it, something that they rarely do as the team does not allow filming during practice in order to keep the clips out of the hands of their opponents.
And while the catch does not by any means solidify Hardman a spot on the roster, it does show that he is not of the running.
After practice, Hardman was asked why he chose to sign with the Packers when he knew he had a longshot of making the roster. His answer was simple: because of Love.
Mecole Hardman: “A lot of green flags.”
On why he joined the #Packers. Said QB. Jordan Love and HC Matt LaFleur were reasons he wanted to come to Green Bay.
“I think he’s going to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league.” pic.twitter.com/6k3b4JjfH1
— John Miller (@JohnMillerNBC26) June 11, 2025
“I think he’s going to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league,” Hardman said of Love. He also stated that head coach Matt LaFleur, who calls the offensive plays, was another big reason for his decision.
What is interesting about this comment is that Love’s predecessor, Aaron Rodgers, infamously said the only reason anyone signed with the Packers was to play with him.
Rodgers has been gone from Green Bay for two years now, and obviously his absence has not stopped free agents from signing there.
More Green Bay Packers News from Gridiron Heroics
- Packers Fans Have Mixed Reactions to Team’s Major Decision
- Packers Send Farewell Message to Jaire Alexander After Releasing Him
- Packers Have Wide Receiver Play Cornerback in Practice After Releasing Jaire Alexander
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