Mecole Hardman is officially leaving the Kansas City Chiefs to join the Green Bay Packers on a one-year deal. This move marks a significant change for the 27-year-old receiver, whose journey through the NFL has been nothing short of eventful.
Hardman, originally drafted as a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Georgia, spent his early years establishing himself with the Chiefs. In his rookie season, he was part of the team that secured a Super Bowl victory, kicking off a successful tenure with Kansas City that included winning two additional Super Bowl rings—though he was unable to compete due to injury during the championship against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.
According to a report by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Hardman has agreed to a one-year contract with the Packers, adding depth to a receiving corps that has faced its share of challenges. Hardman gained national acclaim in Super Bowl LVIII, where he caught a dramatic, game-winning touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers, solidifying his reputation as a clutch player on the field.
Yet, while Hardman has made headlines for his big plays, his recent performance reflects a different story. In 2023, after briefly signing with the New York Jets, he returned to the Chiefs in mid-season following a trade. During his second stint, he played in just six games, posting a mere 118 receiving yards—his lowest output since joining the league. Furthermore, beset by injuries, Hardman was limited to only 12 receptions for 90 yards in the 2024 season, contributing primarily as Kansas City’s punt returner.
Throughout his NFL career, Hardman has recorded 178 catches for 2,302 yards and a total of 16 touchdowns. His most productive campaign came in 2021, during which he logged 59 receptions for 693 yards—a performance that showcased his potential as a lead receiver.
Moreover, Hardman has been a vital part of the Chiefs' success in recent years, appearing in three Super Bowl victories and earning recognition as a Pro Bowl return specialist. Despite battling fluctuating performance levels and injuries, Hardman’s accomplishments in the postseason illustrate the impact he has had on his teams.
His departure from Kansas City signals not just a personal transition but also reflects the ongoing changes within the Chiefs' roster. Following the recent free agency period, the team has announced the re-signing of key receivers Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster to one-year contracts. Meanwhile, Hardman’s exit accompanies that of DeAndre Hopkins—who signed with the Baltimore Ravens—and Justin Watson, who moved to the Houston Texans.
As Hardman moves to the Packers, he’ll aim to reclaim his status as a reliable and productive option in the passing game. With a team rich in tradition and competitive spirit, he will look to leverage his championship experience and playmaking skills to help Green Bay enhance its offensive capabilities. For Packers fans, Hardman’s return to form could signify exciting new developments on the horizon as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
Nationwide, experts and fans alike are eager to witness how Hardman integrates into the Packers’ system and whether he can revitalize his career in a new setting. As the NFL offseason progresses and teams finalize their rosters, the true impact of this signing will begin to unfold.
