The Green Bay Packers are hard at work selecting which players have the best chance of making a difference during the regular season while reducing their roster to 53 players. A top priority has been cutting through the crowded receiver room.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Packers have released veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman.
The former Kansas City Chief was picked up this offseason to bring some competition to the young receiver room, as well as some flexibility on special teams. Hardman saw the field in all three preseason games, but was unable to make enough of a statement to remain on the team.
Packers made the right call to move on from Mecole Hardman
Hardman had a few highlight-worthy plays this preseason, with a 21-yard catch against the Colts and a 14-yard rush in the preseason finale versus the Seahawks. But it was special teams where the veteran fell short. Keisean Nixon's elevated role at corner meant someone needed to make a splash as a return man, but Hardman's was underwhelming.
From downing the ball on the 5-yard line to fumbling a punt return, the veteran just lacked the explosiveness that the Packers require at the position.
Another factor in Hardman's departure might have been the front office's confidence in their ability to develop young players. Hardman is 27 years old entering the season and has only been practicing with the team for a few months.
Malik Heath, who is most likely to benefit from this announcement, is two years younger and will be entering his third season within the Matt LaFleur system. Heath's history on the team could have been the deciding factor as the final roster deadline approaches.
Even though the experiment didn't end with the former Super Bowl champion staying with the Packers, the investment was worth it. The Packers gained some clarity on a few of their young receivers, and it only cost $150,000 in a signing bonus.