Who Should I Start? Mecole Hardman or Ainias Smith

Tuesday, March 18, 9:06 PM

Free-agent wide receiver/return specialist Mecole Hardman (knee) is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, a source tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Hardman will take his speed to the Packers while contributing both on offense and special teams as a kick returner. The 27-year-old former second-rounder (56th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 out of the University of Georgia caught only 12 of 14 targets for 90 yards and no touchdowns while carrying the ball five times for 62 yards and a touchdown in 12 regular-season games before suffering a knee injury in December that landed him on Injured Reserve. The Packers could use the receiver depth with Christian Watson (knee) likely to miss around half of the 2025 season, but Hardman could struggle for consistent involvement in Green Bay's offense, much like he did in KC, behind Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs.

Sunday, January 26, 1:51 PM

According to the team, Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith is inactive for Sunday's NFC title game against the Washington Commanders. The rookie wideout will be a healthy scratch. The Texas A&M product was also inactive during the first two games of the playoffs. Throughout the regular season, Smith saw a limited role as he caught just three passes through the first 17 weeks. However, in Week 18, Smith caught all four of his targets for 35 yards and a score. Fantasy managers should expect A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson to operate as the top wideouts in the Philadelphia offense in this contest.