Wide receiver Mecole Hardman. Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Packers' $1.5 million signing already on the bubble

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 2:34 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers‘ competition at wide receiver this spring and summer has the chance to be among the most intense across the roster.

Not only might Romeo Doubs be auditioning for the WR1 role, but potentially for suitors across the league as a possible trade chip. Meanwhile, after the Packers chose elite speedster Matthew Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the clock could be ticking on one of Dontayvion Wicks or Jayden Reed’s time in Green Bay.

However, one of the Packers’ offseason additions might make the most sense to be cut before he even steps onto the field for a regular-season game at Lambeau Field this fall.

Is Mecole Hardman a top cut candidate for the Packers?

The Packers signed Hardman to a one-year deal this offseason, likely as an insurance policy on Christian Watson, to provide quality depth and in case Green Bay was unable to snag one of the top receivers in the first round of April’s draft.

However, given that the 27-year-old is set to count just $1.5 million against the cap this season, Hardman makes a lot of sense as the odd-man-out in a suddenly crowded receiver room.

“The Packers have a logjam at wide receiver right now,” Jordan Wilson writes for Heavy. “Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, first-round rookie Matthew Golden and third-round rookie Savion Williams are locks to make the 53-man roster unless an unexpected trade offer pries away one of the two older guys. Christian Watson will also likely stick around, though he might begin the year on the PUP list as he recovers from his January ACL injury.

“That leaves Bo Melton, Malik Heath and veteran free-agent signing Mecole Hardman Jr. vying for what is likely the sixth and final roster spot in the rotation. The Packers signed Hardman to a one-year contract in free agency, but that was before they added two draft picks to the mix. Hardman could solidify his spot on the roster if he can win the Packers’ return specialist job in camp, but the team could just as easily cut him if they have other returner options and feel the upside is stronger with Heath or Melton.”

Hardman has caught 173 passes for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns through his first seven seasons, but may face an uphill battle to spend his eighth with the Packers.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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