The Kansas City Chiefs fell short of becoming the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowl titles. Their surprising 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, one of head coach Andy Reid’s former teams, was a startling reminder of just how hard it is for any team to win it all.
Unfortunately, as is the case every season, there will be certain players that will not be returning as the Chiefs attempt to win it all again next year. Players retire, sign elsewhere in free agency, or are simply cut by the team. And while Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce will still be around to lead the offense, one wide receiver who won all three of Kansas City’s recent Super Bowls with them will not.
Former Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Mecole Hardman Signed with the Green Bay Packers
Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) returns a punt against the Denver Broncos during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) returns a punt against the Denver Broncos during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Green Bay Packers were a team that many expected to be heavily involved in free agency, particularly on the wide receiver market. Their star wideout Christian Watson tore his ACL in Week 18 and will miss part of the 2025 NFL season as a result. In addition, their other three top pass catchers had drop percentages ranging from 9.8% to 12.0%.
But while many expected Green Bay to target the likes of DK Metcalf or Davante Adams, the Packers instead brought in former Chiefs wide receiver, and three-time Super Bowl Champion, Mecole Hardman.
Like Watson, Hardman is a speed threat that can stretch defenses and take pressure off of other wide receivers. Additionally, Green Bay’s two-time All-Pro kick return specialist, Keisean Nixon, has expressed that he does not want to return kicks anymore. Hardman has experience in that area as well.
Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Thinks Mecole Hardman Will Find Success with the Green Bay Packers
Kansas City Chiefs, Andy Reid, Mecole Hardman, Green Bay Packers
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Packers, of course, are another one of the teams for whom Reid used to coach. He was Green Bay’s quarterbacks coach and assistant head coach before leaving to be the head coach of the Eagles.
And he thinks his former team is a great landing spot for Hardman:
KC coach Andy Reid on if Mecole Hardman can help the Packers, who signed the former Chiefs receiver to a one-year, $1.5 million deal that contained only a $150K signing bonus. pic.twitter.com/EVXXjtQ1wi
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 31, 2025
“They’ll find a role for him. Again, a good kid. Fast, he’ll do a nice job.”
Hardman became somewhat of a household name in Super Bowl LVIII when he caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
Now he brings that experience with him to the Packers, who are hoping to add a Lombardi Trophy of their own this season.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here