Packers Projected To Part Ways With 3-Time Super Bowl Champ Before 2025 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Felipe Reis Aceti | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers will once again field one of the youngest receiving corps—and overall rosters—in the NFL. There is plenty of talent in players like Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jayden Reed. However, it became evident following the 2024 season that Green Bay needs reinforcements at the receiver position to complement this young group and improve overall depth.

Green Bay’s receiving corps struggled with consistency in 2024, ranking third in the NFL for most drops last season. Additionally, the group struggled to create separation against man coverage, especially when Christian Watson was off the field. While the receiving corps showed promise in 2023, they were unable to maintain that momentum throughout the following year.

To bolster competition, the Packers drafted Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. On top of that, they signed veteran Mecole Hardman in free agency. Golden and Hardman bring a much-needed speed element that the Packers lacked entering 2024—especially with Christian Watson not expected to return from a torn ACL until late in the season. Furthermore, Williams is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands and could develop into LaFleur’s version of Deebo Samuel.

The Packers have not kept more than six receivers on the final roster in each of the last two years. With so many bodies competing in the receiving corps, it is natural to assume someone will miss the cut when the roster takes shape, and Heavy’s Jordan Wilson already has his pick for who will not make it through to the regular season.

"The Packers signed Hardman to a one-year contract in free agency, but that was before they added two draft picks to the mix," Wilson wrote. "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."

Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, and Savion Williams should make the Packers’ final roster. Christian Watson will likely start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Meanwhile, Bo Melton and Malik Heath offer younger, cheaper options compared to a veteran like Hardman.

As Jordan Wilson pointed out in his article, Hardman’s best shot at making the final roster may come through special teams. Keisean Nixon said after the 2024 season that he no longer wanted to return kicks. While it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Nixon doesn’t handle any return duties in 2025, that comment could open a window for Hardman to step in and compete for the job

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

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