The Kansas City Chiefs are entering the 2025 season with something to prove, as head coach Andy Reid issues a warning to the rest of the NFL about Travis Kelce, who has decided to delay retirement for at least another year.
However, the team will be missing several key players from their recent Super Bowl victories, including one who has joined forces with Jordan Love at the Green Bay Packers this offseason. Wide receiver and return specialist Mecole Hardman is set to test his skills at Lambeau Field after spending many years in Kansas City, leaving a significant gap on special teams.
But will he find a role in Green Bay similar to what he had at Arrowhead Stadium? Reid believes he will. During the NFL annual meetings this week, the Chiefs’ head coach expressed confidence that the Packers will carve out a role for Hardman, emphasizing to Love and his teammates that the wide receiver possesses all the attributes to make a substantial contribution.
“Yes, they’ll find a spot for him,” Reid conveyed to Rob Demovsky of ESPN on Monday, as reported by Chiefs Wire. “He’s a great kid and incredibly fast, and he’ll perform well for them. Oh yes, he’s still got it, absolutely.” This change of environment comes after a successful period with Reid and the Chiefs.
Hardman has completed each season of his six-year tenure with the Chiefs so far, although this is not the first time he has signed with a different team during the offseason. In 2023, the Georgia native departed for the New York Jets as a free agent. However, his time in New York was brief, as he returned to the Chiefs midway through the season.
This move proved advantageous for Kansas City, as Hardman played a pivotal role for Reid and his squad on the grandest stage. Highlighting his career, Hardman caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime of Super Bowl LVIII, securing victory for the Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers. Prior to this, he had already celebrated the team’s two previous championships with Reid leading the charge.
