Matt LaFleur’s strategy for the Packers’ new QB, Jordan Love? Inject some speed into the lineup. “I think he is an ascending player that is going to get better and better and better,” LaFleur asserted regarding Love, reaffirming his confidence in the young quarterback despite a challenging game against the Eagles marked by three interceptions and a passer rating of 41.5. For LaFleur, Love remains the undisputed choice.

However, in the NFL, belief must be paired with action. A quarterback needs the right arsenal to succeed, no matter how much faith you have. So, what was Green Bay’s move? They brought in a speedster: Mecole Hardman. The ex-Chiefs receiver comes with two Super Bowl rings and a reputation built on sheer velocity.

Need evidence? Just ask any defender who’s tried to chase him down in open play. Hardman isn’t merely a gadget player—he’s a bona fide deep threat, and for a developing QB like Love, that’s invaluable.

However, Hardman’s path to Green Bay wasn’t straightforward. After four seasons with Kansas City, he joined the Jets, poised to be a part of Aaron Rodgers’ revamped offense. But when Rodgers tore his Achilles just minutes into the season, Hardman rarely stepped onto the field. Five games.

One reception. Disenchanted, he requested a trade, and Patrick Mahomes welcomed him back to Kansas City like a familiar ally. “Mecole, I know his talent,” Mahomes commented. “He could have let [the Jets situation] derail his career, but he didn’t.” Fortunately, because when the Super Bowl (SB LVIII) arrived, Hardman wasn’t just another face—he was the star.

Breaking away in overtime, he snagged the winning catch, securing another title for the Chiefs. “He’s always ready when it counts,” Mahomes remarked post-victory. That’s precisely the type of player Green Bay craves—someone unfazed by high-pressure situations.

Now, Hardman has a new beginning. No longer overshadowed by elite targets, he has the opportunity to be a significant asset for Love. The Packers didn’t simply add a receiver—they acquired a playmaker capable of transforming short passes into substantial yardage and challenging defenses with his deep routes. If Love is going to continue his upward trajectory, he’ll need teammates who can facilitate his growth.

Admittedly, Hardman’s career stats—178 catches, 2,302 yards, 16 touchdowns over five seasons—may not be eye-catching. But numbers don’t narrate the entire tale. The narrative? It’s exactly as Mahomes described. And LaFleur is convinced of it. The Packers are merely taking the necessary steps to support Love’s development.