Keisean Nixon, Mecole Hardman, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, MarShawn Lloyd, and Jayden Reed have different roles on the Green Bay Packers. Some, such as Reed, Golden, and Nixon, are expected to be key contributors in the Green Bay Packers’ offensive and defensive game plans. Others, like Williams, Lloyd, and Hardman, will likely play more specialized or part-time roles on offense.
However, each is expected to be part of the competition this summer to return kicks and punts during the 2025 season. All six have experience returning punts or kickoffs at the college or NFL level, with varying degrees of success. At this stage in the offseason, there’s no clear-cut favorite for either job due to several contributing factors.
In 2024, Nixon primarily handled kickoff returns and split punt return duties with Jayden Reed. Nixon is a two-time All-Pro as a kick returner and was one of the most dynamic returners in the league during his first two seasons with the Packers. While he wasn’t as effective returning punts, the team often looked to him when they needed a spark, though the results were mixed.
However, Nixon returned only four punts for 48 yards last year, compared to Reed’s 14 punt returns for 110 yards. To be fair, Reed wasn’t particularly dynamic in that role either. It seemed his presence was more about reliability and the lack of better alternatives than explosive playmaking.
Earlier this offseason, Nixon made it clear he wasn’t interested in returning kicks in 2025, wanting instead to focus on becoming the team’s CB1. However, special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia hinted that Nixon will still be “in the mix” as a returner. Just because Nixon says he’s no longer interested doesn’t mean the coaching staff won’t strongly consider him if no one else seizes the role. For now, he appears to be the fallback option.
It’s assistant coach week in Green Bay.
Rich Bisaccia said he understands why Keisean Nixon said after the playoff loss that he didn’t want to return kicks anymore but after time to cool off he said he believes Nixon still “will be in the mix” as a returner. pic.twitter.com/IjV5ZZgaY7
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 12, 2025
As for who will be returning kicks and punts in Week 1, the simplest choice would be to continue using last year’s duo — Nixon and Reed. Still, running it back with those two, considering their significant roles on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, would be an injustice. I believe the battle will also involve first-round pick Matthew Golden, third-rounder Savion Williams, and free-agent signee Mecole Hardman throughout training camp.
Golden hasn’t returned punts in his college career, but has experience with kickoffs. Despite being a first-round pick, and thus not the typical profile of a special teams player, GM Brian Gutekunst suggested Golden will be in the mix.
“Dynamic returner. I think our special teams staff is pretty fired up, too,” Gutekunst said after drafting Golden. “I think kickoffs will be an easy transition for him, and I think he can do some punts as well.”
Golden returned two kickoffs for touchdowns during his college career. With a 4.29-second 40-yard dash speed, he could make an immediate impact as a returner at the NFL level.
Like Golden, Williams didn’t return punts in college but has some kickoff return experience. His inclusion in the competition could be driven by his dynamic playmaking ability and versatility as a gadget player. With a crowded receiver room and Williams likely no higher than fifth on the depth chart, special teams may be his best path to making an early impact as he develops as a wide receiver.
It looks like the Packers signed Mecole Hardman as their primary return man. With a punt and kickoff return touchdown on his résumé and nearly 2,000 combined return yards, he’s one of the most experienced returners in the NFL today.
However, he’s buried on the depth chart in a deep wide receiver room. The question is whether the Packers would carry a player primarily for his return ability. Hardman may earn a spot if he can contribute as a deep threat in the passing game. But his 12 catches for 90 yards with the Kansas City Chiefs last season won’t be enough to justify a roster spot in Green Bay.
The return game is more important than ever, especially with the NFL’s tweak to the dynamic kickoff rule for the 2025 season. The league implemented moving the touchback spot from the 30-yard line to the 35. League officials and special teams coordinators believe this will significantly increase return rates. In 2024, the return rate was only 32.8%.
According to Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, a major advocate for the change, the projected return rate in 2025 is expected to rise to 70% to 75%. That increases the importance of the return job more than ever in the field position battle.
It’s also worth noting that Green Bay’s Week 1 returner might not even be on the current roster. As training camp ends, many players will hit the waiver wire. If someone catches Gutekunst’s eye, don’t be surprised to see the Packers make a claim.
As the roster stands now, expect the returner roles to come down to some combination of Nixon, Reed, Golden, Williams, and Hardman. Whoever wins the job must master it, because if the Packers can get a few explosive returns from the right player, that could be the difference between a win and a loss in what’s shaping up to be a tightly contested NFC race in 2025.