Packers Could Cut 3x Super Bowl Champion Following Brutal Preseason Showing
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The usual case for teams during training camp and preseason is to test out rookie players to see if they need development, are ready to start, or will be cut when the 53-man roster decisions come about. That does not mean that veterans are absolved of these tests as well, and that is certainly the case for the Green Bay Packers.
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The Packers usually have a stacked wide receiver room, and the 2025 season will be the same. With a room that includes Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks, the team has some solid weapons and backups.
Green Bay also has multi-Super Bowl champion Mecole Hardman on the roster. The issue is Hardman was used sparingly by the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Packers might view him as a cut candidate.
WESTFIELD, INDIANA - AUGUST 14: Isaiah Neyor #80 of the Green Bay Packers makes a catch while defended by Johnathan Edwards #35 of the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park on August 14, 2025 in Westfield,...
WESTFIELD, INDIANA - AUGUST 14: Isaiah Neyor #80 of the Green Bay Packers makes a catch while defended by Johnathan Edwards #35 of the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park on August 14, 2025 in Westfield, Indiana. MoreMore news: Vikings Questionable Quarterback Situation Hit With Brutal Ranking
Following a brutal preseason showing, Hardman is also being pegged as a cut candidate by Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport.
"Based on his performance in Green Bay's preseason opener, though, Hardman could start the 2025 season looking for work. After a performance that included a key drop and a muffed punt, the 27-year-old told reporters he wasn't going to let one shaky outing rattle him.
'It's short-term memory,' he said. 'Windshield wipers. You've got to clear out the fog and come in this week with a better mindset. A better mentality of going out there and getting better.'
But Hardman has never come especially close to living up to his draft slot. And on a Packers team loaded with young talent at wide receiver, he has no margin to make the sort of errors he made in his Green Bay debut."
Hardman, already being an underutilized wide receiver, is bad enough, but dropping a key pass and muffing a punt is not going to help his case at all. He is currently third on the depth chart, and he may not even carve out a role on special teams.
The Packers having a lot of offensive weapons for Jordan Love to dish the ball to, and when Watkins returns from injury, there might not be space for Hardman. Then again, he might stay on the roster simply as injury insurance for the team.
For more on the Packers and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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